[f. CREEP v. or sb. + HOLE.] A hole by which one creeps in or out; ‘a hole into which any animal may creep to escape danger’ (J.). Also fig. (cf. loop-hole).
1646. Game of Scotch & Eng., 20. How willing our brethren are to get a creep-hole, and how they shufle and cut to strugle themselves out of the Bryers.
1681. W. Robertson, Phraseol. Gen. (1693), 560. A poor shifting excuse, a miserable come-off, a very creep-hole.
1876. T. Hardy, Hand Ethelb., I. 53. A screen of ivy … across the front of the recess … a small creep-hole being left for entrance and exit.
