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 riding
2 : 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 footrope
4 : stapes