crutch

[kruhch]

noun

1. a staff or support to assist a lame or infirm person in walking, now usually with a crosspiece at one end to fit under the armpit.

2. any of various devices resembling this in shape or use.

3. anything that serves as a temporary and often inappropriate support, supplement, or substitute; prop.

   He uses liquor as a psychological crutch.

4. a forked support or part.

5. the crotch of the human body.

6. Nautical.,  Also

   1. a forked support for a boom or spar when not in use.

   2. a forked support for an oar on the sides or stern of a rowboat.

   3. a horizontal knee reinforcing the stern frames of a wooden vessel.

7. a forked device on the left side of a sidesaddle, consisting of two hooks, one of which is open at the bottom and serves to clamp the left knee and the other of which is open at the top and serves to support the right knee.

verb (used with object)

1. to support on crutches; prop; sustain.

crutch

/ krʌtʃ /

noun

1. a long staff of wood or metal having a rest for the armpit, for supporting the weight of the body

2. something that supports or sustains

   a crutch to the economy

3. another word for crotch

4. nautical

   1. a forked support for a boom or oar, etc

   2. a brace for reinforcing the frames at the stern of a wooden vessel

verb

1. (tr) to support or sustain (a person or thing) as with a crutch

2. slang,  to clip (wool) from the hindquarters of a sheep

Other Word Forms

• crutchlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crutch¹

before 900; Middle English crucche, Old English cryce (oblique crycce ); cognate with Norwegian krykkja, Danish krykke, German Krücke, Dutch kruk. See crook ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of crutch¹

Old English crycc; related to Old High German krucka, Old Norse krykkja; see _crosier , _crook

Example Sentences

Lady Gaga is also teetering around on crutches, cavorting with zombies and crossing the River Styx.

From BBC

Chaney uses crutches to walk short distances and his mobility scooter to travel longer distances because of his cerebral palsy.

From Los Angeles Times

He was able to walk again on crutches, and was "thankful and grateful" to be home with his family for Christmas.

From BBC

With no dialog or other performers as a crutch, Redford was forced to act on an elemental level in a manner he had never done before.

From Los Angeles Times

In March 1998, Eagle was only 17 and using crutches to get around after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cane