Obs. Also 7 cratchet. [dim. of CROTCH. (Cf. also CRUTCHET.)]

1

  1.  A pole or prop with a forked top; = CROTCH 3.

2

1631.  Capt. Smith, Advt. Planters, 32. This was our Church, till wee built a homely thing like a barne, set upon Cratchets.

3

1681.  [see CROTCH 3].

4

1756.  P. Browne, Jamaica, 25. They live in huts or thatched cabbins sustained by crotchets.

5

1764.  Croker, etc. Dict. Arts & Sc., s.v. Currying, [Tools used] A crotchet or fork.

6

  2.  A forked support or bracket.

7

1772.  W. Bailey, Descr. Useful Machines, I. 255. A Brass Crotchet screwed to the Pedestle and properly fitted to the solid and also to the hollow end of the axis of the machine.

8

  3.  Naut. = CROTCH 3 c, CRUTCH 3.

9

1769.  Falconer, Dict. Marine, Crouchants, the crotchets, or floor-timbers fore and aft in a boat.

10