I. ˈkräch noun
( -es )
Etymology: probably alteration of crutch (I)
1.
a. : a pole having a fork on one end and used especially as a prop
b. : a stanchion on a ship with two arms or a hollowed top (as for supporting a boom or spare yards) : crutch
c. : alligator 6b
2.
a. : something in the form of an angle usually less than a right angle formed by the parting (as from a trunk or body) of two legs, branches, or members
the crotch of a human being
the crotch of a tree
the crotch of the letter Y
b. : something from, between, or at the intersection of an object in the form of a crotch: as
(1) : wood taken from the section just below the fork of a tree and used chiefly for its swirl-figured grain in the manufacture of furniture
crotch veneer
crotch mahogany
(2) : the section of a garment where the leg seams meet
the crotch of a pair of pants
specifically : a detachable piece of cloth forming the crotch section of a garment
(3) : a 4 1/2-inch square at each corner of a billiard table
3.
a. : a wrestling hold in or near an opponent's crotch
b. : the situation in billiards when both object balls lie within the same crotch and allow only three counts unless one of the balls is forced out
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
transitive verb
1. : to provide with a crotch
a crotched stick
: give the form of a crotch to; especially : to notch (a log) on opposite sides to provide a grip for the dogs in hauling
2. : marry , splice
crotch two rope ends that have been opened in the form of a crotch
3. : to play (an object ball) into a crotch in billiards
intransitive verb
1. : to play on balls lying in the crotch in billiards
2. : to take a position or lie within a crotch — used of the object balls in billiards