crone Meaning, Definition & Usage

Crone noun

Etymology

OD. kronie, karonie, an old sheep, OF. carogne, F. charogne, carrion (also F. carogne illnatured woman.). See Carrion, and Crony.

Definitions

1. An old ewe. Obs. Tusser.
2. An old woman; -- usually in contempt.

   But still the crone was constant to her note. Dryden.

3. An old man; especially, a man who talks and acts like an old woman. R.

   The old crone [a negro man] lived in a hovel, . . . which his master had given him. W. Irving.

   A few old battered crones of office. Beaconsfield.