prop

Etymology 1

From Middle English proppe (“a prop, support, support for a vine or plant”), from Middle Dutch proppe (“support, support for a vine, stopper for a bottle”). Compare Middle Low German proppe (“plug, stopper”), German Pfropfen (“plug”), Danish prop (“plug, stopper”).

noun

1. An object placed against or under another, to support it; anything that supports.
   They stuck a block of wood under it as a prop.
2. (rugby) The player on either side of the hooker in a scrum.
3. Any of the seashells in the game of props.

verb

1. (transitive, sometimes figurative) To support or shore up something.
   Try using a phone book to prop up the table where the foot is missing.
2. (intransitive) To play rugby in the prop position.
3. (transitive, usually with "up" - see prop up) To position the feet of (a person) while sitting, lying down, or reclining so that the knees are elevated at a higher level.

Etymology 2

Abbreviation of property.

noun

1. (theater, film) An item placed on a stage or set to create a scene or scenario in which actors perform.
   They used the trophy as a prop in the movie.
2. An item placed within an advertisement in order to suggest a style of living etc.
   You can use props in a literal way to enhance the story, such as shooting a woodworker amidst woodworking tools. 2006, Michael Grecco, Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait, Amphoto Books, page 109

Etymology 3

Abbreviation of propeller.

noun

1. The propeller of an aircraft.

verb

1. To manually start the engine of a propeller-driven aircraft with no electric starter by pulling vigorously on one of the propeller blades using the hands, so that the propeller can catch ignition.

Etymology 4

Abbreviation of proposition.

noun

1. A proposition, especially on an election-day ballot.

Etymology 5

Clipping of propellant.

noun

1. (astronautics) propellant (“rocket fuel”)

Etymology 6

noun

1. (gambling, informal) Short for proposition player.

Etymology 7

Clipping of propagation.

noun

1. (Internet slang) A part of a plant reared for its multiplication.

Etymology 8

table Clipping of testosterone propionate.

noun

1. (bodybuilding slang) Testosterone propionate.