01 n. A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in walking.
pl.
Crutches ((-ĕz))
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1.
A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in walking.“I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other.” — Shak.“Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone.” — H. Smith.
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2.
A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.
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3.
A knee, or piece of knee timber(Naut.)