prop1
n.
- a pole or beam used as a temporary support.
- a major source of support or assistance.
-
(also prop forward)
Rugby a forward at either end of the front row of a scrum.
- chiefly Austral. a sudden stop made by a horse moving at speed.
v.
(props, propping, propped)
- support with or as with a prop.
▸lean against something else.
-
(prop someone/thing up)
support or assist someone or something that would otherwise fail or decline.
- chiefly Austral. (of a horse) come to a dead stop with the forelegs rigid.
Etymology
ME: prob. from MDu. proppe ‘support (for vines)’.
prop2
n.
- a portable object used on the set of a play or film.
-
(props)
[treated as sing.]
informal, dated a property man or mistress.
Etymology
C19: abbrev. of property.