Stirrup /(?)/

Stir·rup

Stirrup

n.
  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.
  2. Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See Bridle iron. (Carp. & Mach.)
  3. A rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope. (Naut.)

Phrases & Compounds
Stirrup bone
the stapes.
Stirrup cup
a parting cup taken after mounting.
Stirrup iron
an iron stirrup.
Stirrup leather
the strap which attaches a stirrup to the saddle. See Stirrup, 1.