A.that which holds; and so,
I. hindrance, impediment, Il.21.259 (pl.).
II. holdfast, stay, ἔχματα πέτρης the grip of the rock (viz. the river-bed), Il.13.139; ἔχματα πύργων buttresses of the fortifications, 12.260; ἔχματα νηῶν props or cradles for the ships, 14.410; ἔχματα γαίης, of the earth which holds fast the roots of a tree, A.R.1.1200; ἔχματα γούνων, of muscles, Nic.Th.724:—also ἐχμός , ὁ, Eust.1411.24.
