gird1
  
  v.
 (past and past part. girded or girt)
 literary encircle or secure with a belt or band. 
▸surround; encircle:
 the mountains girding Kabul.
 
  Phrase
  
    
      - gird 
(up)
 one's loins 
(or gird oneself for something)
 prepare and strengthen oneself for something difficult. 
    
   
  Etymology
  OE gyrdan, of Gmc origin; rel. to girdle1 and girth.
 
  
    
gird2
  
  v.
 make cutting or critical remarks.
n.
 a critical or taunting remark.
 
  Etymology
  ME (in the sense ‘strike, stab’): of unknown origin.