51Թ

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View synonyms for

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

/ ʌʃ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

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

  2. slangto clip (wool) from the hindquarters of a sheep

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • crutchlike adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of crutch1

before 900; Middle English crucche, Old English cryce (oblique crycce ); cognate with Norwegian krykkja, Danish krykke, German ü, Dutch kruk. See crook 1
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of crutch1

Old English crycc; related to Old High German krucka, Old Norse krykkja; see crosier , crook
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The car handled every potential hazard which appeared in the busy streets including congestion, temporary traffic lights, cyclists and, at one point, a pedestrian using crutches in the middle of the road.

From

Then came the comeback, starting on a scooter to get around, then crutches.

From

He sustained injuries to his back and leg and is now walking with crutches.

From

He has sustained injuries to his back and leg and is now walking with crutches.

From

The worst part was the recovery, with Kershaw spending the better part of the next two months on crutches or in a walking boot.

From

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crutCrutched Friar