rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysurcingleHorse girth
noun

surcingle

SER-sing-gul/ˈsɜrˌsɪŋɡəl/

A strap encircling a body to secure a covering.

A surcingle holds the blanket securely around the horse's body.

A correctly fitted broad surcingle passes around a horse's barrel just behind the forelegs, horse standing naturally in profile.
Etymology
surOld Frenchover
+cingleOld Frenchgirdle

The pieces describe a girdle passed over an animal. The girdle image remains concrete here: a surcingle is an encircling strap or girth.

In context

TheScholarlyEquestrian23:49
And I put her surcingle on, she did fine.
What Caused This Mare to Attack Her Trainer? The Colorado Horse Rescue Network Case

More examples

  • She loosens the surcingle before removing the horse's blanket.
  • Check that the surcingle is snug but not too tight.
  • A plain surcingle keeps the priest's robe in place.

Forms

surcingle · surcingles

Similar words

girth
Usually secures a saddle rather than a blanket or robe.
belt
A broader term for a band worn around the waist.
strap
Any narrow fastening band, not necessarily one encircling a body.