CRIPPLE (3)

Crip″ple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Crippled (–p'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Crippling (–pl?ng).] 1. 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. 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.