belt

belt [belt]

n.

[OE, akin to OHG balz, ult. < L balteus < ? Etr]

1. a strip or band of leather or other material worn around the waist to hold clothing up, support tools, etc., or as an ornament or sign of rank: see also SAFETY BELT

2. any encircling thing like this

3. a long, flexible band used to feed bullets into a machine gun

4. an endless strap or band for transferring motion from one wheel or pulley to another, or for conveying things

5. a region distinguished from others in some way [the Corn Belt]

6. Informal a hard blow; cuff

7. Slang

a) a drink or big gulp, esp. of liquor

b) pleasurable excitement; thrill

vt.

1. to encircle with or as with a belt; girdle

2. to fasten or attach with or as with a belt

3. to strike with a belt

☆ 4. Informal to sing loudly and lustily with a driving rhythm: usually with out

5. Informal to strike with force

☆ 6. Slang

a) to take one or more drinks of (liquor): often with down

b) to drink heavily

vi.

Informal to move at high speed

to move at high speed

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below the belt

unfair(ly); foul: orig. said of a blow to the groin in boxing

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tighten one's belt

1. to endure hunger, privation, etc. as best one can

2. to live more thriftily

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☆ under one's belt

Informal as part of one's experience [ten years of service under his belt]