/kreek, krik/ , n.
1. U.S., Canada, and Australia. a stream smaller than a river.
2. a stream or channel in a coastal marsh.
3. Chiefly Atlantic States and Brit. a recess or inlet in the shore of the sea.
4. an estuary.
5. Brit. Dial. a narrow, winding passage or hidden recess.
6. up the creek , Slang. in a predicament; in a difficult or seemingly hopeless situation.
[ 1200-50; ME creke, var. of crike kriki bend, crook ]