When even the exoskeleton was far away and even wheelchairs were home-made, or maybe they weren’t there at all, people who had problems with the musculoskeletal system used it. What are you talking about? Kluka is, of course.
Origin
You could start with fairy tales and with meaning, but we decided not to break the routine of things and tell us first about the story. It is the “stick” in the etymological dictionary that is defined through a related noun - “stick”. It is noted that the “stick” is formed from the “sticks” in a suffix manner and sends us (and this is unexpected) to a key with which it is similar in appearance. And such an observation cannot be called false.
If you recall the shape of the sticks of the old women, and then look at any key, then the similarity will become apparent. Even the most fashionable and curved canes of Dr. House resemble a key. Although a cynical diagnostician would certainly be offended if his cane were called a stick, but that would not be true.
Kluka is an attribute of poor old women from old tales. Modern orthopedics offers supporting designs for every taste. The latter sounds like an advertisement, but this is not so, for it is only true. If you do not believe me, go to a specialty store and see what a wide selection there is.
And more fantastic symbolism
I would like to talk a little more about antiquity, full of mythological characters, because modernity is so boring with its adaptability. So, kluka is an invariable and constant attribute of witches who pretend to be old women to deceive their future victims. But a woman with a stick is not always a villain.
For example, in the film “Frost” (1964), God's granny dandelion gives hope to the protagonist not only to regain the former, human appearance, but also to moral healing. Indeed, from that time when the hero decided to help her grandmother and take her a hockey stick, which she forgot while the bear was dragging her home, and Vania’s true recovery begins.
And the most interesting thing is that if you watch the film for the first time, it seems that the granny is also some kind of bad. And all because of the recognizable image - sticks. But the scriptwriters and the director skillfully use this subject to slightly confuse the viewer. Fortunately, soon everything falls into place, and the hook is just a support device.
Dictionary meaning
Now we are full of fairy-tale themes, and the time has come to uncover the significance of the object of study: "A stick with a curved upper end for support when walking." The explanatory dictionary is harsh and laconic. But it is not his fault, such is the noun that we are considering. There is nothing more to say more about him. Since the meaning of the word “hook” is known, then it’s time for us to take our leave.