crutches

Noun

crutch (plural crutches)

1. A device to assist in motion as a cane, especially one that provides support under the arm to reduce weight on a leg.
   • He walked on crutches for a month until the cast was removed from his leg.
2. (figuratively) Something or someone that supports, often used negatively to indicate that it is not needed and causes an unhealthy dependency; a prop.
   • Alcohol became a crutch to help him through the long nights; eventually it killed him.
3. A crotch; the area of body where the legs fork from the trunk.
4. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.
5. A knee, or piece of knee timber.
6. A forked stanchion or post; a crotch.

See all 11 meanings of crutch