Stilt
/stɪlt/noun
A tall pole or support used to raise something above the ground, or a tall, long-legged wading bird.
Did you know?The bird name *stilt* comes from the same idea as the wooden supports, because its absurdly long legs make it look like it’s walking on stilts.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
stilt
“a support or prop; also a crutch-like support”
Middle English
ME
stilte
“a pole or support for raising something up”
Late Middle English
ME
stilt
“a long-legged wading bird, named for its stilt-like legs”
Modern English
English
stilt
“a pole or raised support; later also a long-legged wading bird”