ˈkrēchə(r), dial ˈkrid.ə(r) or ˈkrēd.- or ˈkrād.- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin creatura, from Latin creatus + -ura -ure
1. : something whether animate or inanimate regarded as created: as
a. obsolete : world , creation , universe
b. archaic : something (as food or drink) that serves man's material comfort
were put to it to reconcile the phrase good creatures … with the fare set before us — Charles Lamb
c. chiefly dialect : spirits ; especially : whiskey — usually used with the
a drop o' the creature
2.
a. : one of the lower animals
visited in their haunts the wild creatures of the woods
especially : a farm animal — compare critter
b. : a human being
fellow creatures
: person
the dearest creature in the world
the poor creature has had a hard life
— often used in disparagement
I'll never speak to that creature again
c. : a being of anomalous, unspecified, or uncertain aspect or nature
strange fearsome creatures, neither man nor beast
a world of fancy peopled by creatures unknown to man
3.
a. : one that owes existence or position to another and is therefore subject to control or undue influence : a servile dependent : instrument , minion
the Governor was a mere creature of the Senator's
the bank is a creature of Congress
b. : one whose will is not free
a creature of habit
the individual who is simultaneously the creator, the carrier, and the creature of all institutions — Abram Kardiner