crook

¹

[krook]

noun

1. a bent or curved implement, piece, appendage, etc.; hook.

2. the hooked part of anything.

3. an instrument or implement having a bent or curved part, as a shepherd's staff hooked at one end or the crosier of a bishop or abbot.

4. a dishonest person, especially a sharper, swindler, or thief.

5. a bend, turn, or curve.

   a crook in the road.

6. the act of crooking or bending.

7. a pothook.

8. Also called shank. a device on some musical wind instruments for changing the pitch, consisting of a piece of tubing inserted into the main tube.

verb (used with object)

1. to bend; curve; make a crook in.

   He crooked a finger to get the waitperson's attention.

2. Slang.,  to steal, cheat, or swindle.

   She crooked a ring from that shop.

verb (used without object)

1. to bend; curve.

   My little toe crooks to the side.

crook

²

[krook]

adjective

Australian.

1. sick or feeble.

2. ill-humored; angry.

3. out of order; functioning improperly.

4. unsatisfactory; disappointing.

Crook

³

[krook]

noun

1. George, 1829–90, U.S. general in Indian wars.

crook

/ krʊk /

noun

1. a curved or hooked thing

2. a staff with a hooked end, such as a bishop's crosier or shepherd's staff

3. a turn or curve; bend

4. informal,  a dishonest person, esp a swindler or thief

5. the act or an instance of crooking or bending

6. Also called: shank. a piece of tubing added to a brass instrument in order to obtain a lower harmonic series

verb

1. to bend or curve or cause to bend or curve

adjective

1. informal

   1. ill

   2. of poor quality

   3. unpleasant; bad

2. informal,  to lose one's temper

3. informal,  to rebuke or upbraid

Word History and Origins

Origin of crook¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English crok, crouk, from Old Norse krōkr “hook, barb, corner”

Origin of crook²

First recorded in 1875–80; perhaps alteration of cronk

Word History and Origins

Origin of crook¹

C12: from Old Norse krokr hook; related to Swedish krok, Danish krog hook, Old High German krācho hooked tool

Idioms and Phrases

• by hook or crook

Example Sentences

The non-fisherwoman is also brandishing a crooked staff, curved at the top like a wooden candy cane.

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“Let her sell some of her gaudy rings to pay for the trip, then! Someone, get me a knife! I will chop off those crooked fingers myself!”

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With another short, low whistle and the crook of a finger, he bade the dogs follow him.

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She tapped the card with her long, crooked index finger.

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He was standing very still, staring at the dumpster with his nose pressed in the crook of his arm.

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Related Words

• racketeer 
• robber 
• rogue 
• scoundrel 
• swindler 
• villain