[Of uncertain origin: cf. Russ. krashenīna colored linen.] A coarse kind of linen, used for towels, etc.
1812. J. Smyth, Pract. Customs, 125. A coarse sort of narrow Russia Linen … commonly called Crash, and generally used as Towelling.
1867. F. H. Ludlow, Little Bro., 79. There is crash upon the wide surface of the parlour floors!
1892. Daily News, 3 Sept., 2/6. Coarse linens, such as canvas and crashes.
b. attrib. Made of crash.
1875. Miss Bird, Sandwich Isl. (1880), 106. A basin, crash towels, a caraffe.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 2 June, 14/1. Strong white ‘crash’ bags.
