1. A litter, usually of canvas stretched over a frame, used to transport the sick, wounded, or dead.

2. One that stretches, such as the wooden framework on which canvas is stretched for an oil painting.

3. A usually horizontal tie beam or brace serving to support or extend a framework.

4. A brick or stone laid parallel to the face of a wall so that only its long side is showing.

5. Informal An exaggerated or fabricated assertion or anecdote: "That book ... is mostly a true book, with some stretchers" (Mark Twain).