n. 1 a any large tropical amphibious reptile of the order Crocodilia, with thick scaly skin, long tail, and long jaws. b leather from its skin, used to make bags, shoes, etc. 2 Brit. colloq. a line of schoolchildren etc. walking in pairs. crocodile clip a clip with teeth for gripping. crocodile tears insincere grief (from the belief that crocodiles wept while devouring or alluring their prey). crocodilian adj.
[ ME f. OF cocodrille f. med.L cocodrillus f. L crocodilus f. Gk krokodilos f. kroke pebble + drilos worm ]