a staff or support to assist a lame or infirm person in walking, now usually with a crosspiece at one end to fit under the armpit.
any of various devices resembling this in shape or use.
anything that serves as a temporary and often inappropriate support, supplement, or substitute; prop: He uses liquor as a psychological crutch.
a forked support or part.
the crotch of the human body.
Also crotch. Nautical.
a forked support for a boom or spar when not in use.
a forked support for an oar on the sides or stern of a rowboat.
a horizontal knee reinforcing the stern frames of a wooden vessel.
a forked device on the left side of a sidesaddle, consisting of two hooks, one of which is open at the bottom and serves to clamp the left knee and the other of which is open at the top and serves to support the right knee.
verb (used with object)
to support on crutches; prop; sustain.
Origin of crutch
before 900; Middle English crucche,Old English cryce (oblique crycce); cognate with Norwegian krykkja,Danish krykke,German Krücke,Dutch kruk.See crook1
cane, bolster, help, buttress, prop, stick, aid, post, brace, staff
Medical definitions for crutch
crutch
[ krŭch ]
n.
A staff or support used by a physically injured or disabled individual as an aid in walking, usually designed to fit under the armpit and often used in pairs.