stirrup

noun

• 1each of a pair of devices attached to each side of a horse’s saddle, in the form of a loop with a flat base to support the rider’s foot.

• 2 (stirrups or lithotomy stirrups) a pair of metal supports in which a woman’s ankles may be placed during gynaecological examinations and childbirth, to hold her legs in a position which will facilitate medical examination or intervention.

• 3 (also stirrup bone)another term for stapes.