from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cripple \Crip"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Crippled} (-p'ld); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Crippling} (-pl?ng).]
1. To deprive of the use of a limb, particularly of a leg or
foot; to lame.
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He had crippled the joints of the noble child. --Sir
W. Scott.
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2. To deprive of strength, activity, or capability for
service or use; to disable; to deprive of resources; as,
to be financially crippled.
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More serious embarrassments . . . were crippling the
energy of the settlement in the Bay. --Palfrey.
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An incumbrance which would permanently cripple the
body politic. --Macaulay.
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