stilt

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
  2. noun one of two stout poles with foot rests in the middle; used for walking high above the ground
  3. noun long-legged three-toed wading bird of brackish marshes of Australia

Etymology

From Middle English stilte, stulte, from Old English *stilte, *stylte, from Proto-Germanic *stiltijǭ, *staltijǭ, *stultijǭ (“stilt”), from Proto-Germanic *stelt- (“to be stiff”). Akin to Danish stylte, Dutch stelt, German Stelze.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pile, spile, piling

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