Definition of "stirrup" [stir•rup]

• 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. (noun)
• A part or device shaped like an inverted U in which something is supported, held, or fixed. (noun)
• 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. (noun)
• Anatomy See stapes. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And this would he repeat, until he had drained what he called his stirrup cup, at every shop in the place where the poisonous liquor was vended."
• "The stirrup is now considered of little use, except to support the left foot, and many of the best riding-masters make their pupils ride without one, and to put their arms behind them, while the master holds the longe and urges the horse to his speed."
• ""Mr. Bearsley would never pardon me did I let you go without what he call a stirrup-cup to keep you from the ills that lurk in the wind of the Serra."