Where does “prop” come from?

Prop derives from English proposition and propel, which come from Latin propellere, meaning to drive forward, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European bʰuH-.

prop (English): An object placed against or under another, to...

Definitions

  1. An object placed against or under another, to...

Ancestry of “prop”, step by step

prop traces back through 3 separate lines of ancestry.

via English proposition

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishpropositionThe act of offering for consideration; An idea...
2Middle EnglishproposiciounA proposition or assertion; a statement left to...
3Old Frenchproposicion
4Latinprōpositiōproposition, representation
5Latin-tiōtion, -ation, -ing
6Latindissertātiō(spoken) dissertation, discourse, disquisition
7Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
8Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
9Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
10Latincalceusshoe
11Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
12Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble

via English leg

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishlegA limb or appendage that an animal uses for...
2Middle Englishlegleg, limb; shank, shin; leg
3Old Norseleggrleg, stem
4Proto-Germaniclagjazleg, thigh
5Proto-Indo-European(ǝ)lak-

via Middle English proppe

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishproppea prop, support, support for a vine or plant

Words derived from “prop

Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ
prop — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer