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. Also Nautical.
   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 Words From

• crutchlike 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

She had been returning from a night out when the man kicked her and beat her with his crutch.

From BBC

The WHO says just 12% of equipment needed for injured people - such as wheelchairs and crutches - is available.

From BBC

As for Berhane, a humanitarian organisation has been able to provide him with a prosthetic leg and crutch, which has helped him walk again.

From BBC

The former office manager does her best to focus on the achievements – including walking from the car to the school gate without a crutch - but the adjustments have not always been easy.

From BBC

In the event, she was still using crutches on the big day: "I just about made it down the aisle without them - I was let off by my physio for that very special occasion."

From BBC

Related Words

• cane