Strut /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Strutted; p. pr. & vb. n. Strutting

1. To swell; to bulge out. [R.]

   The bellying canvas strutted with the gale.

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

   Does he not hold up his head, . . . and strut in his gait?

1. The act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.
2. 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. (Arch.)
3. 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. (Engin.)

1. To hold apart. Cf. Strut, n., 3.

1. Protuberant. [Obs.]