I. ˈkrōz noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from Middle French crues cavity, hole, groove; akin to Old Provençal croza hole, cave, Italian dialect croso deep
1. : the groove near either end of a barrel stave in which the barrelhead is inserted
2. : a plane or machine for cutting the croze in staves
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to make a croze in (a stave)
2. : to fold and refold (felt hat bodies) during sizing