What is "crutches"

Crutch \Crutch\ (kr[u^]ch; 224), n.; pl. Crutches (-[e^]z). [OE. crucche, AS. crycc, cricc; akin to D. kruk, G. kr["u]cke, Dan. krykke, Sw. krycka, and to E. crook. See Crook, and cf. Cricket a low stool.]

1. A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in walking.

   I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other.
   --Shak.

   Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone.
   --H. Smith.

2. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.

3. (Naut.)

   1. A knee, or piece of knee timber.

   2. A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See Crotch.

n. (plural of crutch English)