Other forms: props
A prop is an object handled by actors during a scene. Stage props, a prop gun, the props department.
The line matters on a set: if an actor touches it, it is a prop, and if it only sits there it belongs to the set dressing. The word is short for property in this sense. A prop is also a support holding something up, which is the older meaning, and in rugby a prop is a front-row forward.
1nounpropAn object handled by actors in a scene.
“The theatre's props, from swords to teacups, are stored in a room behind the stage.”
2nounsupportA support holding something up.
“Builders put steel props under the ceiling to stop it from falling in.”
prop is an object, or a support.
The support sense comes from Middle Dutch proppe, a support for a vine. The theatrical sense is short for property.
Middle English
proppe — a prop, support, support for a vine or plant
English, today
prop
From Middle English proppe (“a prop, support, support for a vine or plant”), from Middle Dutch proppe (“support, support for a vine, stopper for a bottle”). Compare Middle Low German proppe (“plug, stopper”), German Pfropfen (“plug”), Danish prop (“plug, stopper”).
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA