v. Obs. trans. To tread (a fowl) as crows or rooks were supposed to do; hence fig. to subject to ignominious treatment, abuse. Hence Crow-trod, -trodden ppl. adjs.
1593. G. Harvey, Pierce’s Super., 6. Who [is] so forward to accuse, to debase, to reuile, to crow-treade an other…?
1600. N. Breton, Pasquil’s Precession, Wks. (1879), 9/2. A crauen henne that is crow trodden.
1602. Content. Liberality & Prodigality, IV. iv. in Hazl., Dodsley, VIII. 366. O thou vile, ill-favoured, crow-trodden, pye-picked ront!
1614. Markham, Cheap Husb. (1668), 118.
1649. C. Walker, Hist. Independ., II. 8. Cockatrice Eggs layd by their Grandees when they had been Crow-trodden by Armies from abroad.
a. 1652. Brome, Queenes Exchange, V. Wks. 1873, III. 537. What are thou that canst look thus Piepickt, Crowtrod, or Sparrow-blasted?
