cratch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ObsoleteArchaic / Historical / Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “cratch” mean?
An archaic term for a manger or fodder rack for feeding animals, especially livestock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic term for a manger or fodder rack for feeding animals, especially livestock.
In historical or dialectal usage, it can also refer to a stand or framework used to hold fodder, particularly in a stable or cowshed. It is also the name for a type of portable crib used in mining.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and obsolete in both varieties. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Historical, rural, or religious (in nativity contexts).
Frequency
Virtually never used in modern English. Its appearance is largely confined to discussions of historical farming, dialectology, or in the fixed term 'Christmas cratch'.
Grammar
How to Use “cratch” in a Sentence
[the] + cratch + [of + NOUN (e.g., the cratch of the stable)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, agricultural, or linguistic studies.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
May appear in historical farming texts or as a specific term in certain regional mining lexicons.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cratch”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'scratch'.
- Assuming it is a common or current word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or obsolete term, primarily found in historical contexts or specific dialects.
The 'Christmas cratch' refers to the manger in the nativity scene where the infant Jesus was laid.
No, in its standard historical sense, it is only a noun. Any verb use would be a non-standard or erroneous modern coinage.
It comes from Old French 'creche', ultimately of Germanic origin, related to 'crib'. It is the direct source for the modern word 'crèche'.
An archaic term for a manger or fodder rack for feeding animals, especially livestock.
Cratch is usually archaic / historical / dialectal in register.
Cratch: in British English it is pronounced /krætʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /krætʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'scratch' but with the 's' eaten by the animal at the CRATCH (manger).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR SUSTENANCE (obsolete).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'cratch'?