I. ˈkrāt, usu -ād.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin cratis wickerwork, hurdle — more at hurdle
1. : a container used to transport wares: as
a. : a rigid shipping structure that consists usually of a wood frame of which the size and shape are usually determined by the article to be shipped, the structure often being built around the article, and which is often not completely enclosed but is often reinforced with sheathing
b. : a similar structure used especially for agricultural products and having a frame covered by thin boards with openings left between for ventilation
an orange crate
2. : a lead grating used in making white lead
3. : an obsolete, patched-up, or badly used vehicle
his car was an old crate
to replace plane losses they built spare-parts crates from wrecked machines — Time
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to pack in a crate or case especially for transportation