Belly /(bĕl"ly̆)/

Bel·ly

Belly

n.

pl. Bellies ((-lĭz))

  1. That part of the human body which extends downward from the breast to the thighs, and contains the bowels, or intestines; the abdomen.
  2. The under part of the body of animals, corresponding to the human belly.
    Underneath the belly of their steeds.
  3. The womb. [Obs.]
    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.
    — Jer. i. 5.
  4. The part of anything which resembles the human belly in protuberance or in cavity; the innermost part; as, the belly of a flask, muscle, sail, ship.
    Out of the belly of hell cried I.
    — Jonah ii. 2.
  5. The hollow part of a curved or bent timber, the convex part of which is the back. (Arch.)

Phrases & Compounds
Belly doublet
a doublet of the 16th century, hanging down so as to cover the belly.
Belly fretting
the chafing of a horse's belly with a girth.
Belly timber
food.
Belly worm
a worm that breeds or lives in the belly (stomach or intestines).

Belly

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Bellied; p. pr. & vb. n. Bellying

  1. To cause to swell out; to fill. [R.]
    Your breath of full consent bellied his sails.

Belly

v. i.
  1. To swell and become protuberant, like the belly; to bulge.
    The bellying canvas strutted with the gale.