int. Also crimeny, -ini. [perh. It. crimine crime, etc., as an ejaculation; but cf. CRIKEY, and the kindred ejaculation jiminy, GEMINI.] A vulgar exclamation of astonishment: now somewhat archaic.
1681. Otway, Soldier’s Fort., I. i. O crimine! Who’s yonder?
1693. Southerne, Maid’s last Prayer, III. i. O crimine! I see I must be plain with thee.
c. 1816. Byron (L.). Crimini, jimini! Did you ever hear such a nimminy pimminy Story as Leigh Hunt’s Rimini?
1865. Ellen C. Clayton, Cruel Fortune, II. 184. Criminy!—Raymond tight. I am astonished.
