crampoons
Cram*poons" (krm-pnz"), n. pl. Etym: [F. crampon, fr. OHG. chramph crooked; akin to G. krampf cramp. See Cramp,n., and cf. Crampon.] 1. A clutch formed of hooked pieces of iron, like double calipers, for raising stones, lumber, blocks of ice, etc. 2. Iron insruments with sharp points, worn on the shoes to assist in gaining or keeping a foothold.