■ noun
1》 the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid which rises to the top when milk is left to stand.
↘a sauce, soup, dessert, or other food containing ~ or having the consistency of ~.
2》 a thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medical preparation.
3》 the very best of a group of people or things: the ~ of American society.
4》 a very pale yellow or off-white colour.
■ verb
1》 work (butter) to form a smooth soft paste.
↘mash (a cooked vegetable) and mix with milk or ~.
↘add ~ to (coffee).
2》 ( ~ something off ) take away the best part of a group of people or things.
3》 rub a cosmetic ~ into (the skin).
4》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. defeat heavily.
↘hit or beat.
Origin
ME: from OFr. cresme , from a blend of late L. cramum and eccles. L. chrisma (see chrism ).