Obs. Also 5 crowche-, 6 crowchmes(se, -mas. [f. CROUCH sb.1 cross + MASS.] The festival of the Invention of the Cross, observed on May 3.
1389. in Eng. Gilds (1870), 119. On ye sunday after crouchemesse dai.
1463. Paston Lett., No. 472, II. 132. Ye Fryday nexst after Crowchemesse Day.
1530. Palsgr., 804/1. At Crowchmesse, a la saincte Croyx. Ibid., 811/2. On Crowchemesse daye, le jour du saynct Sacrement.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 110. From bull cow fast till Crowchmas be past.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Crouchmas or Crouchmas-day, a Festival kept by Roman Catholicks in Honour of the Holy Cross. [Hence in Bailey.]
[1891. Globe, 28 Dec., 1/5. Martinmas is confined to Scotland; Crouchmas, the feast of the Invention of the Cross, on May 3, is quite obsolete.]
