appui

‖n. [ F., fr. L. ad + podium foothold, Gr. &unr_;, dim. of &unr_;, &unr_;, foot. ] 1. A support or supporter; a stay; a prop. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If a vine be to climb trees that are of any great height, there would be stays and appuies set to it. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Man.) The mutual bearing or support of the hand of the rider and the mouth of the horse through the bit and bridle. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

Point d'appui [ F., a point of support. ] (Mil.) (a) A given point or body, upon which troops are formed, or by which are marched in line or column. (b) An advantageous defensive support, as a castle, morass, wood, declivity, etc. (c) any point of support or basis of operations, as a rallying point. [ 1913 Webster +Webster 1913 Suppl. ]