\Stir"rup\, n. [OE. stirop, AS. stigr[=a]p; st[=i]gan to
mount, ascend + r[=a]p a rope; akin to G. stegreif a stirrup.
[root]164. See {Sty}, v. i., and {Rope}.]
1. A kind of ring, or bent piece of metal, wood, leather, or
   the like, horizontal in one part for receiving the foot of
   a rider, and attached by a strap to the saddle, -- used to
   assist a person in mounting a horse, and to enable him to
   sit steadily in riding, as well as to relieve him by
   supporting a part of the weight of the body.
         Our host upon his stirpoes stood anon. --Chaucer.
2. (Carp. & Mach.) Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup
   of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See
   {Bridle iron}.
3. (Naut.) A rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its
   lower end for supporting a footrope. --Totten.
{Stirrup bone} (Anat.), the stapes.
{Stirrup cup}, a parting cup taken after mounting.
{Stirrup iron}, an iron stirrup.
{Stirrup leather}, or {Stirrup strap}, the strap which
   attaches a stirrup to the saddle. See {Stirrup}, 1.