Definition of: belt

(belt) noun
1. A band worn around the waist.
2. Mech. a A flexible band of leather or other material passing over two or more wheels and serving to transmit power in machinery and to communicate motion from one part to another. b A moving assembly line in a factory, intended to convey parts from one operation or worker to another.
3. Any broad, encircling band, region, etc.
4. Ecol. A characteristic zone or stretch of country favoring the development of a certain type of animal or plant life; a zone; strip; as, a forest belt, a corn belt.
5. A strait.
6. Mil. a A girdle of armor plates protecting a warship along the water line. b A strip of webbing designed to hold a weapon or to contain cartridges.
7. Colloq. A blow, as with the fist.
—below the belt
1. In boxing, under the waistband.
2. Hence, unfairly; in violation of accepted codes.
—to tighten one's belt To practice thrift; retrench; consume less food.
—v.t.
1. To gird with or as with a belt.
2. To fasten with a belt: to belt on a sword.
3. To mark with belts or bands.
4. Colloq. To strike with force. [OE belt <L balteus girdle]