1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a rigid support, esp. one not an integral part of the thing supported.
2 a person who supplies support, assistance, comfort, etc.
3 Rugby Football a forward at either end of the front row of a scrum.
4 esp. Austral. a horse's action of propping.
--v. (propped, propping)
1. tr. (often foll. by against, up, etc.) support with or as if with a prop (propped him against the wall; propped it up with a brick).
2 intr. esp. Austral. (of a horse etc.) come to a dead stop with the forelegs rigid.
Etymology: ME prob. f. MDu. proppe: cf. MLG, MDu. proppen (v.) 2. n. Theatr. colloq.
1. PROPERTY 3.
2 (in pl.) a property man or mistress.
Etymology: abbr. 3. n. colloq. an aircraft propeller.
Phrases and idioms:
prop-jet a turboprop.
Etymology: abbr.