prop

An object placed against or under another, to support it; anything that supports.

They stuck a block of wood under it as a prop.

The player on either side of the hooker in a scrum.

Any of the seashells in the game of props.

To support or shore up something.

Try using a phone book to prop up the table where the foot is missing.

To play rugby in the prop position.

To position the feet of (a person) while sitting, lying down, or reclining so that the knees are elevated at a higher level.

To stop suddenly or unexpectedly; derived from the situation where a horse might suddenly halt of its own accord, digging its front hooves into the ground to brace itself from forward movement, potentially unseating its rider.

To knock (a person) down.

We used to go out into the roads (highway robbery) between races, and if we met an ‘old bloke’ (man) we ‘propped him’ (knocked him down), and robbed him.

An item placed on a stage or set to create a scene or scenario in which actors perform.

They used the trophy as a prop in the movie.

An item placed within an advertisement in order to suggest a style of living etc.

You can use props in a literal way to enhance the story, such as shooting a woodworker amidst woodworking tools.