n.
(pl. bellies)
- the front part of the human trunk below the ribs, containing the stomach and bowels.
▸the stomach.
▸
(also belly pork)
a cut of pork from the underside between the legs.
- the rounded underside of a ship or aircraft.
- the top surface of an instrument of the violin family, over which the strings are placed.
v.
(bellies, bellying, bellied)
swell or cause to swell or bulge.
Phrase
- go belly up
informal go bankrupt.
Derivative
Etymology
OE belig ‘bag’, of Gmc origin.