stirrup

[ stur-uhp, stir-, stuhr- ]

noun

1. a loop, ring, or other contrivance of metal, wood, leather, etc., suspended from the saddle of a horse to support the rider's foot.
2. any of various similar supports or clamps used for special purposes.
3. Nautical. a short rope with an eye at the end hung from a yard to support a footrope, the footrope being rove through the eye.
4. Also called binder. (in reinforced-concrete constructions) a U -shaped or W -shaped bent rod for supporting longitudinal reinforcing rods.
5. Anatomy. stapes.
6. 1. a strap of fabric or elastic at the bottom of a pair of pants, worn around and under the foot.
   2. stirrups, (used with a plural verb) close-fitting knit pants with such straps.

stirrup

/ ˈstɪrəp /

noun

1. Also calledstirrup iron either of two metal loops on a riding saddle, with a flat footpiece through which a rider puts his foot for support. They are attached to the saddle by stirrup leathers
2. a U-shaped support or clamp made of metal, wood, leather, etc
3. nautical one of a set of ropes fastened to a yard at one end and having a thimble at the other through which a footrope is rove for support
4. See étrier
   the usual US name for étrier

Other Words From

• stirrup·less adjective
• stirrup·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stirrup¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English stigrāp ( stige ascent + rāp rope ); cognate with German Stegreif

Word History and Origins

Origin of stirrup¹

Old English stigrāp, from stīg path, step (related to Old High German stīgan to move up) + rāp rope ; related to Old Norse stigreip, Old High German stegareif

Example Sentences

I took my feet out of the stirrups and let the reins rest loosely on Molly’s neck.

From Outside Online

But the jar threw my six-shooter where I couldn't reach it, and the carbine was jammed in the stirrup-leather on the wrong side.

From Project Gutenberg

So while the lady rode ahead, Richard galloped stirrup to stirrup with the Spaniard.

From Project Gutenberg

Even our men grew silent, and the ring of sword on stirrup seemed too loud to be natural at last.

From Project Gutenberg

Louis de Valmont had been half lifted from his saddle; one foot had lost its stirrup; but Longsword sat as a tower.

From Project Gutenberg

"There's another pistol shot if you move," cried Seth, with one foot in the stirrup.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clamp
• splint