prop
noun/prɒp/
/prɑːp/
- a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support something or keep it in position
- Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.
- a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)
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- a person or thing that gives help or support to somebody/something that is weak
- After being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him.
- SShe argued that retail sales were the main prop of the US economy.
- [usually plural] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a film
- He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.
- (also prop forward)(in rugby) a player on either side of the front row of a scrumTopics Sports: ball and racket sportsc2
Word Originnoun senses 1 to 2 and noun sense 4 late Middle English: probably from Middle Dutch proppe ‘support (for vines)’. noun sense 3 mid 19th cent.: abbreviation of property.
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