lit. Work done with crewels or worsted yarns; applied to a species of embroidery that became fashionable about 1860, in which a design is worked in worsted on a background of linen or cloth.
1863. E. J. May, Stronges of N., 13. In one of the windows by a small table, occupied in some crewel work, sat the venerable lady.
1885. ‘E. Garrett’ (Mrs. Mayo), At Any Cost, xiv. 255. Bending over her crewel work.
