Definition of the word gird for

The origin of the phrase "gird for" dates back to Old English times. In Old English, the verb "girwan" meant "to wrap around with a band or belt." The preposition "for" at that time meant "against" or "prepared for." When the Normans conquered England in 1066, they brought with them the French language, which had a word, "ceintre," that meant "belt" or "girdle." This French word was adopted into Middle English, and the verb "girwen" came to mean "to bind around with a belt" or "gird." The use of "gird for" can be traced to around the 14th century. In this period, "gird" was still being used to mean "to bind around," but it was also being used in the sense of "to prepare for." This usage eventually gave rise to the expression "gird for battle," which meant "prepare oneself for battle." The phrase "gird for" has since become a figurative way of expressing readiness or preparation for something, rather than literally wrapping a belt around oneself.