crotchet

[ kroch-it ]

noun

1. an odd fancy or whimsical notion.

   Synonyms: oddity, quirk, eccentricity, whimsy, caprice

2. a small hook.
3. a hooklike device or part.
4. Entomology. a small, hooklike process.
5. Music. Chiefly British. a quarter note.
6. a curved surgical instrument with a sharp hook.

crotchet

/ ˈkrɒtʃɪt /

noun

1. music a note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve Usual US and Canadian namequarter note
2. a small hook or hooklike device
3. a perverse notion
4. zoology a small notched or hooked process, as in an insect

Word History and Origins

Origin of crotchet¹

1350–1400; Middle English crochet hook, staff with hook at end < Middle French ( crochet ); doublet of crocket

Word History and Origins

Origin of crotchet¹

C14: from Old French crochet, literally: little hook, from croche hook; see crocket

Example Sentences

Mr. Webster could not have hit my crotchet more exactly, if he had taken aim at it on purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Mediocrity had only seen the gawky stripling, with his moonstruck air, and pestilent habit of trying some new crotchet.

From Project Gutenberg

Where these means fail, and it is impossible to extract the child alive, the blunt hook or crotchet must be employed.

From Project Gutenberg

She put her foot down 29 on this little crotchet, and pressed this passing desire out of sight.

From Project Gutenberg

I have hinted to you about this crotchet of poor Charles for a long time; I was forced to do so.

From Project Gutenberg