n.
Pronunciation: ' st ə r- ə p also ' stir- ə p or ' st ə -r ə p
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English stirop, from Old English stigr ā p, from stig- (akin to Old High German st ī gan to go up) + r ā p rope ― more at STAIR , ROPE
Date: before 12th century
1 : either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding
2 : a piece resembling a stirrup: as a : one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery b : a stirrup-shaped footrest
3 : a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope
4 : STAPES