Stiltings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Supports or props used to elevate a structure or object above ground level, frameworks that hold platforms at a height, or scaffolding pieces that assist in construction or maintenance tasks
2. Structural elements designed to raise buildings or other constructs off the surface, temporary or permanent supports for elevated stages or walkways, or equipment that facilitates working at increased heights
3. Components that act as pillars or braces for lifting and stabilizing an elevated surface, platforms held above terrain by vertical supports, or aids for safely reaching positions that are otherwise out of reach

Etymology: "Stiltings" is the plural of "stilting," which in turn comes from "stilt," the long pole or post used to raise something off the ground. The plural form simply names more than one of these supports, as in a set of posts holding a building or a jetty above water or marshy ground. The noun "stilt" is an old English word for a post or pole, and its underlying idea is height and support: a thing that holds another thing up. Stilting is the same root given a noun-forming ending, so the plural points to a collection of such posts rather than to any single one.

Synonyms: stilts, supports, props, pillars, posts