strutv. t.[OE. struten, strouten, to swell; akin to G. strozen to be swelled, to be puffed up, to strut, Dan. strutte.]1. To swell; to bulge out.()The bellying canvas strutted with the gale. (Dryden.)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? (Shak.)n.[For senses 2 & 3 cf. LG. strutt rigid.]1. The act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.()2. (Arch.) 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.()3. (Engin.) 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.()v. t. To hold apart. Cf. Strut, n., 3.()a. Protuberant.(Holland.)a. (Zol.) Struthious.()