Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Crutch \Crutch\ (kr[u^]ch; 224), n.; pl. {Crutches} (-[e^]z).
   [OE. crucche, AS. crycc, cricc; akin to D. kruk, G.
   kr["u]cke, Dan. krykke, Sw. krycka, and to E. crook. See
   {Crook}, and cf. {Cricket} a low stool.]
   1. A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under
      the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in
      walking.

            I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other.
                                                  --Shak.

            Rhyme is a crutch that lifts the weak alone. --H.
                                                  Smith.

   2. A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a
      forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.

   3. (Naut.)
      (a) A knee, or piece of knee timber.
      (b) A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See {Crotch}.