Prop , n. [Akin to LG., D.,
& Dan. prop stopple, stopper, cork, Sw. propp, G.
pfropf. See Prop,
v.]
That
which sustains an incumbent weight; that on which
anything rests or leans for support; a support; a stay; as, a prop for a
building. "Two props of virtue." Shak.
Prop (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propped (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Propping.]
[Akin to LG.
& D. proppen to cram, stuff, thrust into, stop, G. pfropfen, Dan. proppe, Sw. proppa; of uncertain origin, cf. G. pfropfen to graft, fr. L.
propago set, layer of a plant, slip, shoot. Cf. 3d. Prop, Propagate.]
To support, or prevent from falling, by placing something under or against; as, to prop up a fence or an old building; (Fig.) to sustain; to maintain; as, to prop a declining state. Shak.
Till the bright mountains prop the incumbent sky.
Pope.
For being not propp'd by ancestry.
Shak. I prop myself upon those few supports that are left me.
Pope.
Prop (?), n. A shell, used as
a die. See
Props.
Hear it pronounced