spider strap

noun

A system of connected straps (for example on luggage or for equine use).

Meanings

nounspider strap (plural spider straps)

plural spider straps

  1. A system of connected straps (for example on luggage or for equine use).
  2. in pluralemergency medicineOne of a ten-armed system of straps used by responders in backboard immobilization.

    "SPIDER STRAPS" provide a very quick and efficient way to secure a patient to a long backboard.

    1995, Nancy L. Caroline, Nancy L. Caroline, Emergency care in the streets, link
    2 more examples

    She secured the straps, pulling them tight to let the weight settle to her shoulder and back muscles. Fanning the spider straps of the face mask, she took a deep breath and donned it chin first, then straps at the neck, temple,

    2005, Dee Henderson, The Protector, link

    “Hey,” Beverly said, looking with dismay at the spider straps that secured Frankie to the backboard. “Dr. Bower, how can I get an EKG with him strapped down?”

    2009, Sacred Trust, page 152

Origin

From the resemblance to a spider's many legs.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

spider strap. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap

MLA

“spider strap.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “spider strap,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap.

Source: spider strap on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.