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.