[f. stem of CREEP v. + MOUSE.]
A. sb.
† 1. A creeping mouse: a term of endearment.
1540. Palsgrave, trans. Fullonius’ Acolastus, R ij a. I con the thank my lyttell sparowe, or my pretye crepemous.
2. A nursery play with a child.
1689. J. Carlile, Fortune-hunters, 25. Not so old but I can play at creep Mouse yet; creep, Mouse, creep, catch her.
B. adj. [Cf. break-neck.] That creeps like a mouse so as to escape notice; furtive, timid, shy.
1766. Goody Two-Shoes (1882), 58. Not seeing such a little creep-mouse Girl as Two-Shoes.
1814. Jane Austen, Mansf. Park (1816), I. xv. 304. You may be as creepmouse as you like, but we must have you to look at.
1860. Emerson, Cond. Life, Behavior, Wks. (Bohn), II. 387. Here are creep-mouse manners, and thievish manners.
