Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CRUTCH, n. Special Sc. usages.
†1. In pl.: stilts. Also found in Eng. (Suf.) dial. (E.D.D.).Sc. 1823 Scott Q. Durward (1829) v., Note:
The crutches, or stilts, which in Scotland are used to pass rivers.
2. “The wooden part going over the saddle of a cart-horse, along which the chain works” (Ayr.4 1928); “wood shod with iron over which the rigwoodie works” (Kcb.10 1941).
¶3. Comb.: crutch-phrase (see quot.).Cai. 1896 J. Horne Canny Countryside 167:
He also possesses two crutch-phrases, “as it were” and “so to speak” — picked up at an election meeting, and these he employs with skilful frequency to give himself time for composition.
