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Crotch (krŏch; 224), n.; pl. Crotches (krŏchˈĕz). [Cf. Crotchet, Crutch.]
1. The angle formed by the parting of two legs or branches; a fork; the point where a trunk divides; as, “the crotch of a tree”. more specifically, the space on the human torso between the two legs; also, the corresponding part between the legs of a pair of pants, which is in contact with the crotch of the wearer; as, “pants with a tight crotch have become very popular”.
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2. (Naut.) A stanchion or post of wood or iron, with two arms for supporting a boom, spare yards, etc.; -- called also crane and crutch. Totten.
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3. (Billiards) In the three-ball carom game, a small space at each corner of the table. See Crotched, below.
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Crutch (krŭch; 224), n.; pl. Crutches (-ĕz). [OE. crucche, AS. crycc, cricc; akin to D. kruk, G. krücke, 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.
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I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other. Shak.
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Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone. H. Smith.
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2. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.
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3. (Naut.) (a) A knee, or piece of knee timber. (b) A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See Crotch.
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Crutch, v. t. To support on crutches; to prop up. [R.]
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Two fools that crutch their feeble sense on verse. Dryden.
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