1. (v. t.) To swell; to bulge out.

2. (v. t.) To walk with a lofty, proud gait, and erect head; to walk with affected dignity.

3. (n.) The act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.

4. (n.) 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.

5. (n.) 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.

6. (v. t.) To hold apart. Cf. Strut, n., 3.

7. (a.) Protuberant.