Stirrup

English Meaning

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.

1. A flat-based loop or ring hung from either side of a horse's saddle to support the rider's foot in mounting and riding; a stirrup iron.
2. A part or device shaped like an inverted U in which something is supported, held, or fixed.
3. Nautical A rope on a ship that hangs from a yard and has an eye at the end through which a footrope is passed for support.
4. Anatomy See stapes.