Crutch (krŭch; 224), n.; pl. Crutches (-&ebreve_;z). [OE. crucche, AS. crycc, cricc; akin to D. kruk, G. krücke, Dan. krykke, Sw. krycka, and to E. crook. See Crook, and cf. Cricket a low stool.] 1. A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in walking.
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I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other. Shak.
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Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone. H. Smith.
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2. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.
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3. (Naut.) (a) A knee, or piece of knee timber. (b) A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See Crotch.
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