stilt

Definition

Either of two poles with footrests that allow someone to stand or walk above the ground; used mostly by entertainers.

Etymology

From Middle English stilte, stulte, from Old English *stilte, *stylte, from Proto-Germanic *stiltijǭ, *staltijǭ, *stultijǭ (“stilt”), from Proto-Germanic *stelt- (“to be stiff”). Akin to Danish stylte, Dutch stelt, German Stelze.

Example Sentences

• "He[…]shot MacLaren when between the stilts of his plough,[…]"