prop Definition

prop¹
noun

1. A rigid support, especially a vertical one, of any of various kinds.

Example: a clothes prop
Thesaurus: support, brace, buttress, stay, mainstay, strut, truss, stanchion.
2. A person or thing that one depends on for help or emotional support.
3a. rugby.
The position at either end of the front row of the scrum;
Form: prop forward (also)
3b. rugby.
A player in this position.
Form: prop forward (also)

verb propped, propping

1. To support or hold it upright with, or as if with, a prop.

Thesaurus: bolster, support, sustain, stay, buttress, maintain, uphold, shore, strut, underpin, truss.
Form: prop something up (often)
2. To lean against it; to put something against something else.

Thesaurus: support, rest, stand, lean, set.
Form: prop against something (usually)
3. To serve as a prop to something.

Etymology: 15c.

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prop²
noun

1. theat., colloq
A portable object or piece of furniture used on stage during a performance.
Form: property (in full)

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prop³
noun

1. colloq
A propeller.

Etymology: Early 20c.