STIRRUP

stirrup, stirrup iron

(noun) support consisting of metal loops into which rider’s feet go

stapes, stirrup

(noun) the stirrup-shaped ossicle that transmits sound from the incus to the cochlea

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

stirrup (plural stirrups)

(equestrianism) A ring or hoop suspended by a rope or strap from the saddle, for a horseman's foot while mounting or riding.

(by extension) Any piece shaped like the stirrup of a saddle, used as a support, clamp, etc.

(climbing) A portable, flexible ladder-like device used in climbing.

Synonyms: aider, étrier

(anatomy) A stapes.

(nautical) A rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope.

Adjective

stirrup (not comparable)

Referring to women's pants, a form of trousers commonly worn by women that includes a strap beneath the arch of the foot.

Anagrams

• irrupts

Source: Wiktionary


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.)

Definition: Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See Bridle iron.

3. (Naut.)

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

9 May 2025

RIGHT

(noun) anything in accord with principles of justice; “he feels he is in the right”; “the rightfulness of his claim”


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Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

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