Obs. rare. [In first quot. perhaps the same word as Sc. croot, cruit (krùt) the smallest pig in a litter, a diminutive child or person, and north. dial. crut dwarf. Cf. also Welsh crwt boy, lad, chap, little fellow.] (See quots.)
1614. T. Freeman, Rubbe & Great Cast, xliv. C iv. Caspia, the decrepit old rich Croot [rhyme boot].
1808–25. Jamieson, Croot, a puny feeble child; the smallest pig in a litter, &c.
1825. Brockett, Gloss. N. C. Wds., Crut, a dwarf, or anything curbed in its growth.
1883. Huddersfield Gloss., Crut … in some parts means a dwarf.
