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Foothold

Definition of a Climbing Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

Foothold

A foothold is a point on a cliff face where a climber places their foot, which allows him upward progress. Most footholds are either smears (also called friction holds) where a rock shoe smears against the rock surface for purchase or an edge where a rock shoe is placed on a protruding edge or shelf, which is usually a positive hold.

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