crook etymology

Etymology:

The word "crook" is derived from the Old English word "croc," which meant "a hook." It is related to the German word "Kruke" and the Dutch word "krook," both of which also mean "hook."

Meaning:

• A person who cheats or steals; a swindler or thief.
• A dishonest or unscrupulous person.
• A curved or hooked object, such as a shepherd's crook or a hockey stick.

Origin:

The word "crook" first appeared in English in the 13th century. It initially referred to a shepherd's crook, a hooked stick used to guide and control sheep. Over time, the term came to be applied figuratively to dishonest or deceitful individuals, who were seen as using "hooks" to trap their victims.

In the 19th century, the word "crook" gained further notoriety in the United States during the period of lawlessness known as the "Wild West." Outlaw gangs led by individuals like Billy the Kid and Jesse James were often referred to as "crooks" due to their criminal activities.

Examples:

• "The police are investigating a crooked businessman who has been embezzling funds from his company."
• "The crook tried to sell me a fake watch but I wasn't fooled."
• "The crook climbed over the fence with a large hook."

crook relate terms

• creek

  Etymology The word creek is derived from the Old English word crecc which means be

• crook

  Etymology The word crook is derived from the Old English word croc which meant a h

• crooked

  Etymology Middle English croked from Old English croced crocod probably of Germanic

• crook

  Etymology The word crook is derived from the Old English word croc which meant a h