crutch
nounfeminine/muˈletɐ/medium
mu·le·ta
Definition
A device used as a support for walking, typically used in pairs, consisting of a staff with a crosspiece that fits under the armpit.
He was on crutches for six weeks after breaking his ankle.
She leaned on her friend for emotional support, using him as a crutch.
Common collocations
to walk on crutchespair of crutchescrutch supportcrutch height
Idiomatic expressions
- to be on crutches
- a crutch (fig.: something used for support or reassurance)
Etymology
Do francês 'béquille', por sua vez do latim 'mutulus' (console, mísula).