proppy

English

Etymology

prop +‎ -y

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɒpi/
• Rhymes: -ɒpi

Adjective

proppy (comparative proppier, superlative proppiest)

1. (chiefly Australia, informal) Stiff in movement; unable to walk or run well.
   • 1869, John William Carleton, The Sporting review, ed. by 'Craven'., page 318:

     The first horse we saw was a proppy old grey being walked about, and agreed that there was one, at least, which would not win.

   • 2004, Peter Huntington, Jane Myers, Elizabeth Owens, Horse Sense: The Guide to Horse Care in Australia and New Zealand, Landlinks Press, →ISBN, page 201:

     If the horse is sore in both front legs it will have a stiff, 'proppy' action.

   • 2013, Robert Kaleski, Australian Barkers and Biters, Read Books Ltd, →ISBN:

     Next look carefully at the dog's legs for signs of bumps, also if he is "proppy" or stiff on them when standing still.

2. (theater, informal) Having many props.
   • 1990, Theatre Crafts:

     Because Magnolias is such a proppy show, speedy changes are a challenge.

   • 1991, Simon Reade, Cheek by Jowl: Ten Years of Celebration, Oberon Books, →ISBN:

     On the other hand, 'Othello was very proppy,' recalls Donnellan, 'with teacups and glasses and furniture.

   • 1996, BBC Music Magazine:

     It's a very proppy show with thirty chairs, pots and pans to set, paintbrushes, and glasses which need to be washed and cleaned for the café scene.