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.
He had crippled the joints of the noble child.
Sir W. Scott.
2. To deprive of strength, activity, or capability for service or use; to disable; to deprive of resources; as, to be financially crippled.
More serious embarrassments... were crippling the energy of the settlement in the Bay.
Palfrey.
An incumbrance which would permanently cripple the body politic.
Macaulay.