In a manner that girds, encircles, or tightens something; moving in a way that goes around or encircles.
From 'girdle' (a belt or encircling band) + '-ing' (present participle) + '-ly' (adverb suffix). The base 'girdle' comes from Old English 'gyrdel,' meaning belt.
This is a rare adverb that few people use today, but it beautifully captures the physical sensation of something wrapping tightly around something else—the suffix chain '-ingly' itself suggests a continuous circling motion.
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