crampon

[ kram-pon ]
/ ˈkræm pɒn /

noun

a spiked iron plate worn on boots or shoes for aid in climbing or to prevent slipping on ice, snow, etc.
a device for grasping and lifting heavy loads, usually consisting of a pair of hooks suspended from a chain or cable, the upward pull on which provides tension for the hooks to grip the load on opposite sides.
Also cram·poon [kram-poon] /kræmˈpun/.

Origin of crampon

1275–1325; Middle English cra(u)mpon < Old French crampon < Old Low Franconian *krampo, cognate with Old High German krampfo, Middle Dutch crampe; see cramp2

Example sentences from the Web for crampon

  • Outside the bandages I wore six pairs of thick woollen socks, fur boots and a crampon over-shoe of soft leather.

    The Home of the Blizzard |Douglas Mawson

British Dictionary definitions for crampon

crampon
/ (ˈkræmpən) /

noun

one of a pair of pivoted steel levers used to lift heavy objects; grappling iron
(often plural) one of a pair of frames each with 10 or 12 metal spikes, strapped to boots for climbing or walking on ice or snow

verb

to climb using crampons

Word Origin for crampon

C15: from French, from Middle Dutch crampe hook; see cramp ²