■ noun
1》 each of a pair of devices attached at either side of a horse's saddle, in the form of a loop with a flat base to support the rider's foot.
2》 (also lithotomy ~s ) a pair of metal supports for the ankles used during gynaecological examinations and childbirth (originally used in lithotomy).
3》 another term for stapes .
Origin
OE stigrāp , from the Gmc base of obs. sty 'climb' + rope .