Girdler

/ˈɡɜːrdlər/ noun

Definition

A person who makes or sells girdles (belts or corsets), or an insect that girdles trees by eating around their bark.

Etymology

From Middle English girdler, from girdle + -er (agent suffix). Originates from Old English gyrdel meaning belt or enclosure, from Germanic roots meaning to gird or encircle.

Kelly Says

Girdler beetles are master engineers—they literally girdle tree trunks to create stress that causes the branches above to die and fall, making their larvae easier to access. It's an insect farming technique!

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