[stir.rup] n [ME stirop, fr. OE stigrap, fr. stig- (akin to OHG stigan to go up) + rap rope--more at stair, rope] (bef. 12c) 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 support or clamp in carpentry and machinery)
3: a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope
4: stapes