Word Study
cratch
CIDE DICTIONARY
cratch, n. [OE. cracche, crecche, F. cr crib, manger, fr. OHG. krippa, krippea, G. krippe crib. See Crib.].
A manger or open frame for hay; a crib; a rack. [1913 Webster]
"Begin from first where He encradled was,
In simple cratch, wrapt in a wad of hay." [1913 Webster]
In simple cratch, wrapt in a wad of hay." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cratch, n. a rack used for holding food for farm animals out of doors.
Etymology
ME f. OF creche f. Gmc: rel. to CRIB
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