MLG

prop, prop1 (prop), п . [Early mod. E. proppe , proppe , a prop; = MD. proppe , a prop, support; ef. MD. proppe , prop , a stopple, D. prop , a stopple, cork, plug, wad, pellet, = proppe , LG. propp G. propf , propfen , a stopple, cork (not found before the 19th century), = Sw. propp = Dan. prop , a cork, stopple, plug. The origin of these words is uncertain; some compare G. pfropf , propfen , a graft, MHG.pfrop fen , OHG. * pfropfo , pfroffo , a set, slip, pro pago , a set, slip, layer of a plant: see propago , propagate , etc. The Gael. prop , Ir. prop a , a prop, support, are prob. borrowed from E.] 1. A stick, staff, pole, rod, beam, or other rigid thing used to sustain an incumbent weight; that on which anything rests for support; a support; a stay; a fulcrum: usually applied to something not forming a part of the object supported: as, a prop for vines; a prop for an old wall. Proppe , longe (staffe), contus. Prompt . Parv ., p. 415. You take my house when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house. Shak ., M. of V., iv. 1. 375. Justice and religion are the two chief props and supporters of a well-governed commonwealth. Burton , Anat. of Mel., p. 603. But wit 's like a luxuriant vine, Unle to virtue's prop it join, Firm and erect towards heaven bound. Conley , Death of Mrs. C. Philips. They are the props of national wealth and prosperity, not the foundations of them. D. Webster , Speech, House of Representatives, Jan. 2, 1815. 2. In bot ., same as fulcrum , 3.-3. pl . Legs. Hall i well . [Prov. Eng.]=Syn. 1. See staff . prop1 (prop), v .; pret.and pp. propped , ppr.prop ping . [Early mod. E. proppe ; = MD. D. prop pen , prop, stay, or bear up (cf. MLG. proppen =G. propfen = Sw. proppa = Dan. proppe , stop up, cork); appar. from the noun, but the verb may po ibly be older: see prop , n.] I. trans. 1. To support or prevent from falling by pla