Crutch n.; pl. Crutches
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.
I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other. --Shak.
Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone. --H. Smith.
2. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.
3. Naut. (a) A knee, or piece of knee timber. (b) A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See Crotch.