The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Begird \Be*gird"\, v. t. [imp. Begirt, Begirded; p. p.
   Begirt; p. pr. & vb. n. Begirding.] [AS. begyrdan (akin
   to Goth. bigairdan); pref. be- + gyrdan to gird.]
   1. To bind with a band or girdle; to gird.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To surround as with a band; to encompass.
      [1913 Webster]