Obs. [Derivation uncertain.

1

  The form has suggested relationship to F. crotte (cf. CROTEY), and to mod.Du. krot; but difficulties of sense and history attach to both suggestions.]

2

  A particle, bit, atom, individual piece.

3

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 2378 (Cott.). Abram went … and wit him loth, his geing, his catel, ilk crot [Fairf. crote]. Ibid., 9440. If þou haldes mi forbot, Þou sal be lauerd ouer ilk crot Þat es in erth or paradis. Ibid., 27375.

4

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 2102. Þe host destruyed, ilk a crote.

5

c. 1425.  Wyntoun, Cron., VII. viii. 83. Þis ilk Pes of Bred … of it nevyr a Crote … owre pas my Throt.

6

1490–9.  Promp. Parv., 105/1. Crote of a turfe, glebicula, glebula.

7