appui

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CIDE DICTIONARY

appui, n. [F., fr. L. ad + podium foothold, Gr. , dim. of , , foot.].

A support or supporter; a stay; a prop. [1913 Webster]
"If a vine be to climb trees that are of any great height, there would be stays and appuies set to it." [1913 Webster]
The mutual bearing or support of the hand of the rider and the mouth of the horse through the bit and bridle. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Point d'appui (. [F., a point of support.] (Mil.) (a) A given point or body, upon which troops are formed, or by which are marched in line or column. (b) An advantageous defensive support, as a castle, morass, wood, declivity, etc. (c) any point of support or basis of operations, as a rallying point.