First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
crotchet
noun crotch·et \ˈkrä-chət\
Definition of CROTCHET
1
2
a : a highly individual and usually eccentric opinion or preference b : a peculiar trick or device
3
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Origin of CROTCHET
Middle English crochet, from Anglo-French crochet, croket — more at crocket
Related to CROTCHET
- Synonyms
- idiosyncrasy, curiosity, eccentricity, erraticism, individualism, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, quip, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist
Synonym Discussion of CROTCHET
caprice, whim, vagary, crotchet mean an irrational or unpredictable idea or desire. caprice stresses lack of apparent motivation and suggests willfulness <by sheer caprice she quit her job>. whim implies a fantastic, capricious turn of mind or inclination <an odd antique that was bought on a whim>. vagary stresses the erratic, irresponsible character of the notion or desire <he had been prone to strange vagaries>. crotchet implies an eccentric opinion or preference <a serious scientist equally known for his bizarre crotchets>.
Rhymes with CROTCHET
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