-stirrups-

n. [ OE. stirop, AS. stigrāp; stīgan to mount, ascend + rāp a rope; akin to G. stegreif a stirrup. √164. See Sty, v. i., and Rope. ] 1. A kind of ring, or bent piece of metal, wood, leather, or the like, horizontal in one part for receiving the foot of a rider, and attached by a strap to the saddle, -- used to assist a person in mounting a horse, and to enable him to sit steadily in riding, as well as to relieve him by supporting a part of the weight of the body. [ 1913 Webster ]

Our host upon his stirpoes stood anon. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Carp. & Mach.) Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See Bridle iron. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) A rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope. Totten. [ 1913 Webster ]

Stirrup bone (Anat.), the stapes. --
Stirrup cup, a parting cup taken after mounting. --
Stirrup iron, an iron stirrup. --
Stirrup leather, or
Stirrup strap, the strap which attaches a stirrup to the saddle. See Stirrup, 1. [ 1913 Webster ]