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

But Khansarinia sustained an injury early in the third quarter and left the stadium on a crutches, a brace on his knee left.

From Los Angeles Times

The mother of three said she was unwell throughout her last pregnancy and suffered from hip and joint pain that left her needing crutches, which she said affected her weight.

From BBC

It always painted the background of his days, whether it’s as simple as him being on the train, or more intimately as a “crutch” or “connection.”

From Los Angeles Times

Adam was able to walk again on crutches and said he was "thankful and grateful" be home with his family for Christmas.

From BBC

Farrell had what he called his “crutch” — the physical transmogrification — which also sparked a germ of fear in him, of “being a one-trick pony,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cane