[f. CROAK v.]
1. The action of making a deep hoarse sound.
1547. Boorde, Brev. Health, cccix. 100 b. In Englyshe it is named crokyng or clockyng in ones bely.
a. 1610. Healey, Epictetus’ Man., xxiv. (1636), 29. The croaking of the Raven.
1840. R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, ix. 22. The frogs set up their croaking in the marshes.
2. fig. Talking dismally or foreboding evil.
1810. Wellington, in Gurw., Desp., VI. 417. The croaking which already prevails in the army.
1836. Marryat, Midsh. Easy, xxvii. 106. All this comes from your croaking—you’re a Mother Cary’s chicken.
