crupper

[ kruhp-er, kroop- ]

noun

1. a leather strap fastened to the saddle of a harness and looping under the tail of a horse to prevent the harness from slipping forward.
2. the rump or buttocks of a horse.
3. armor for the rump of a horse.

crupper

/ ˈkrʌpə /

noun

1. a strap from the back of a saddle that passes under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle from slipping forwards
2. the part of the horse's rump behind the saddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of crupper¹

1250–1300; Middle English cro ( u ) per, variant of cruper < Anglo-French. See croup ², -er ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of crupper¹

C13: from Old French crupiere, from crupe croup ²

Example Sentences

Tenderly he buckled the crupper, and the horse edged around to try to kick him.

From Literature

Lancelot leaned on the withers of his horse, lifted his right leg over the crupper, and found himself on the ground.

From Literature

The crupper strap in the Sherman Monument can be unscrewed and pulled aside to allow the hatch door to be lifted off.

From New York Times

He at once caught the mule a terrific whack on the crupper, causing the animal to leap forward and leave Mrs. Gainsborough and the saddle in the path.

From Project Gutenberg

The man made no comment aloud, but jerked him roughly to the crupper; and bidding him hold fast, started the horse, which, setting off at an easy amble, quickly bore them out of F�camp.

From Project Gutenberg