Crook

/krʊk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who engages in dishonest or illegal behavior; a criminal.

The police arrested a crook who had been stealing from local businesses.

A bend or curve, especially in a river or road.

We walked to the crook of the river to enjoy the scenic view.

A hook, especially one used to help in grasping or pulling something.

The shepherd used a crook to guide his sheep into the pen.

verb

To bend or curve something.

He tried to crook his finger to signal her to come closer.

Middle English, from Old Norse 'krókr', meaning 'bend, hook'.

crook of the elbow

The inside bend of the elbow.

bent as a crook

Extremely dishonest or corrupt.

crooked deal

A dishonest agreement or transaction.

crooked

Not straight; dishonest.

crookback

A person with a hunchback.

To cheat or con someone.

He tried to crook her out of her money.

To steal.

He had a knack for crooking things from stores.