prop

verb6

1. •
   To support or shore up something.

   • Try using a phone book to prop up the table where the foot is missing.
2. •
   To position the feet of (a person) while sitting, lying down, or reclining so that the knees are elevated at a higher level.
3. •
   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.
4. •
   To play rugby in the prop position.
5. •
   (Australia, New-Zealand) To stop suddenly or unexpectedly; derived from the situation where a horse might suddenly halt of its own accord, digging its front hooves into the ground to brace itself from forward movement, potentially unseating its rider.
6. •
   (slang, no longer used) To knock (a person) down.

   • We used to go out into the roads (highway robbery) between races, and if we met an ‘old bloke’ (man) we ‘propped him’ (knocked him down), and robbed him. — 1851

noun14

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. •
   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.
3. •
   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
4. •
   The propeller of an aircraft or boat.
5. •
   (US) A proposition, especially on an election-day ballot.

   • “Watch how totally dishonest the California Prop vote is!” Trump fumed on Truth Social over the weekend. — 2025
6. •
   (informal) A fake or fabricated version of an object, whether or not it is used for a scene.

   • We threw a prop squirrel off of a tower.
7. •
   The player on either side of the hooker in a scrum.
8. •
   A part of a plant reared for its multiplication.
9. •
   (slang) Testosterone propionate.
10. •
    Any of the seashells in the game of props.
11. •
    Clipping of propellant (“rocket fuel”).
12. •
    (informal) Clipping of proposition player.
13. •
    (slang, no longer used) A blow; the act of striking someone.

    • There was some good counter hits, and then Foster received a prop on the nose which drew the claret. — 1899
14. •
    (no longer used) A scarf pin.

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of property.

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of propylthiouracil.

noun1

1. •
   Abbreviation of property.