\Strut\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Strutted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Strutting}.] [OE. struten, strouten, to swell; akin to G.
strozen to be swelled, to be puffed up, to strut, Dan.
strutte.]
1. To swell; to bulge out. [R.]
         The bellying canvas strutted with the gale.
                                               --Dryden.
2. To walk with a lofty, proud gait, and erect head; to walk
   with affected dignity.
         Does he not hold up his head, . . . and strut in his
         gait?                                 --Shak.

\Strut\, n. [For senses 2 & 3 cf. LG. strutt rigid.]
1. The act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.
2. (Arch.) In general, any piece of a frame which resists
   thrust or pressure in the direction of its own length. See
   {Brace}, and Illust. of {Frame}, and {Roof}.
3. (Engin.) Any part of a machine or structure, of which the
   principal function is to hold things apart; a brace
   subjected to compressive stress; -- the opposite of stay,
   and tie.

\Strut\, v. t.
To hold apart. Cf. {Strut}, n., 3.

\Strut\, a.
Protuberant. [Obs.] --Holland.