Plural of girdle; belts or corsets worn around the waist, or bands that encircle something.
From Old English gyrdels, plural of gyrdel (belt), from a Germanic root meaning to gird or encircle, related to the verb 'gird' meaning to tie or secure.
Medieval girdles were status symbols—not just functional belts but ornamental works of art made from precious metals and gems, signaling wealth and rank to everyone around you.
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