Stir"rup (?), n. [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.
Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See Bridle iron.
3. Naut.
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, ∨ Stirrup strap, the strap which attaches a stirrup to the saddle. See Stirrup, 1.
© Webster 1913.