Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROP, v.t. [D. and Dan. prop, a stopple, Sw. propp; G. pfropf, id.; D. proppen; G. pfropfen, to stuff or thrust; Dan. propper. These are probably the same word differently applied.]

1. To support or prevent from falling by placing something under or against; as, to prop a fence or an old building.
2. To support by standing under or against. Till the bright mountains prop th' incumbent sky. – Pope.
3. To support; to sustain; in a general sense; as, to prop a declining state. I prop myself upon the few supports that are left me. – Pope.