—prop /prɒp/ aep /prɑːp/
noun (SUPPORT)
F0 [C] an object that is used to support something by holding it up:
» I need some sort of a prop to keep the washing line up.» FIGURATIVE A lot of people use cigarettes as a sort of social prop (= to make them feel more confident).See picture: prop 
Thesaurus+: ↑Physical supports and supporting , ↑Arches, columns and beams
F0 (ALSO prop forward) a player in a rugby team who is large and strong, and who supports the scrum
Thesaurus+: ↑Rugby , ↑General terms used in ball sportsnoun [C usually plural] (IN FILM/THEATRE)
► F0 an object used by the actors performing in a play or film: » The set is minimal and the only props used in the show are a table, a chair and a glass of water.Thesaurus+: ↑Production, direction and recordingnoun [C] (ON AIRCRAFT/SHIP)
► F0 INFORMAL FOR PROPELLER(Cf. ↑propeller)Thesaurus+: ↑Parts of aeroplanesverb [T + adv/prep] (-pp-) ↑Verb Endings for prop
► F0 to support something physically, often by leaning it against something else or putting something under it: » I propped my bike (up) against the wall.» She was sitting at the desk with her chin propped on her hands.» This window keeps on closing - I'll have to prop it open with something.See picture: the bike is propped against the wall Thesaurus+: ↑Physical supports and supporting , ↑Arches, columns and beams