Category:Stirrup

Stir"rup, n. Etym: [oe. stirop, as. stigrap; stigan to mount, ascend + rap a rope; akin to g. stegreif a stirrup. *164. See sty, v. i., And rope.]

1. A kind of ring, or bent piece of metal, wood, leather, or the Like, horizontal in one part for receiving the foot of a rider, and Attached by a strap to the saddle, -- used to assist a person in Mounting a horse, and to enable him to sit steadily in riding, as Well as to relieve him by supporting a part of the weight of the Body. Our host upon his stirpoes stood anon. Chaucer.

2. (carp. & mach.)

Defn: any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used As a support, clamp, etc. See bridle iron.

3. (naut.)

Defn: a rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its lower end for Supporting a footrope. Totten. Stirrup bone (anat.), the stapes. -- stirrup cup, a parting cup taken after mounting. -- stirrup iron, an iron stirrup. -- stirrup leather, or stirrup strap, the strap which attaches a Stirrup to the saddle. See stirrup, 1.