strut Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a proud stiff pompous gait
    swagger; prance.
  2. noun brace consisting of a bar or rod used to resist longitudinal compression
  3. verb to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
    sashay; ruffle; tittup; prance; swagger; cock.
    • He struts around like a rooster in a hen house

WordNet

Strut transitive verb
Etymology
OE. struten, strouten, to swell; akin to G. strozen to be swelled, to be puffed up, to strut, Dan. strutte.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Strutted ; present participle & verbal noun Strutting
Definitions
  1. To swell; to bulge out. R.
    The bellying canvas strutted with the gale. Dryden.
  2. To walk with a lofty, proud gait, and erect head; to walk with affected dignity.
    Does he not hold up his head, . . . and strut in his gait? Shak.
Strut noun
Etymology
For senses 2 & 3 cf. LG. strutt rigid.
Definitions
  1. The act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.
  2. (Arch.) In general, any piece of a frame which resists thrust or pressure in the direction of its own length. See Brace, and Illust. of Frame, and Roof.
  3. (Engin.) Any part of a machine or structure, of which the principal function is to hold things apart; a brace subjected to compressive stress; -- the opposite of stay, and tie.
Strut transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To hold apart. Cf. Strut, n., 3.
Strut adjective
Definitions
  1. Protuberant. Obs. Holland.

Webster 1913