stirrup

(stʉr′əp, stir′-)

noun

a ring with a flat bottom hung by a strap, usually on each side of a saddle and used as a footrest in mounting and riding
any of various supports, clamps, etc. resembling or suggesting such a ring
Naut. a rope hung from a yard and having an eye at the end for supporting a footrope passed through it
stirrup bone

Origin: ME stirop < OE stigrap, akin to Ger stegreif: for IE bases see stile & rope

See stirrup in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A flat-based loop or ring hung from either side of a horse's saddle to support the rider's foot in mounting and riding; a stirrup iron.
A part or device shaped like an inverted U in which something is supported, held, or fixed.
Nautical A rope on a ship that hangs from a yard and has an eye at the end through which a footrope is passed for support.
Anatomy See stapes.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English stirope

Origin: , from Old English stīgrāp

Origin: : stīgan, to mount; see steigh- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + rāp, rope

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