Main Entry:

stir·rup

Pronunciation:

\ˈstər-əp also ˈstir-əp or ˈstə-rəp\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English stirop, from Old English stigrāp, from stig- (akin to Old High German stīgan to go up) + rāp rope — more at stair, rope

Date:

before 12th century

1: either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding2: a piece resembling a stirrup: as a: one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery b: a stirrup-shaped footrest 3: a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope4: stapes