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Stirrup

The stirrup is a ring with a flat bottom, usually hung from each side of a saddle to create a footrest for the rider on a horse or, much less often, another animal. It greatly increases the rider's ability to control the horse, making this animal a useful tool in communication, transportation and warfare. As a result it is considered one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization. Some even argue it is as important as the wheel or printing press.

The stirrup was invented surprisingly late in history, considering that horses were used for bareback riding and to pull carts or war chariots since at least 10,000 B.C. The stirrup was apparently invented in China in the first few centuries A.D., and was spread throughout Eurasia by the great horsemen of the central Asia steppes, such as the Mongol empire. Stirrups were first documented in Europe during the reign of Charles Martel in the 8th century.


Stirrups are contraptions fitted on examining tables for gynecological examinations, enabling the woman to rest her feet while lying in the gynecological position.


Stirrup is an informal term for the stapes bone of the ear.


Stirrup pants are a form of pants commonly worn by women, that include a strap beneath the arch of the foot. the purpose of this is to pull the fabric taut and produce a neater appearance of the garment.

Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45