1
[ noun ] a wooden or metal staff that fits under the armpit and reaches to the ground; used by disabled person while walking

Used in print

(J. W. C. Hagstrom et al., "Debilitating muscular...)

Muscle weakness did not improve , and the patient needed first a cane , then crutches .

Related terms

staff

2
[ noun ] anything that serves as an expedient

Examples

"he uses drugs as a psychological crutch"

Used in print

(Whit Masterson, Evil Come, Evil Go....)

He finally fell_asleep around six in the morning with the aid of a sleeping_capsule , a crutch he rarely used , and did n't awaken until early afternoon .

Related terms

expedient

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