/krʌtʃ; krʌtʃ/
n
1 support in the form of a pole, placed under the armpit to help a lame person to walk（病人用的）拐杖
*a pair of crutches 一副拐杖
* go about on crutches 撑着一副拐杖走来走去. =>illus 见插图.
2 (fig 比喻) person or thing that provides help or support 提供帮助或支持的人或事物
*He uses his wife as a kind of crutch because of his lack of confidence. 他缺乏自信心, 总把妻子当作主心骨.
3 = crotch.

n[C]

[Language: Old English;Origin: crycc]
[usually plural]
one of a pair of long sticks that you put under your arms to help you walk when you have hurt your leg
on crutches
(=use crutches)
　I was on crutches for three months after the operation.
something that gives someone support or help, especially something that is not really good for them
　As things got worse at work, he began to use alcohol as a crutch.
BrE the part of your body between the tops of your legs
= crotch