crook
Translation
criminal, swindler, shepherd's staff
Examples
The police caught the crook who stole the jewels.
The police caught the crook who stole the jewels.
The shepherd carried a crook.
The shepherd carried a crook.
She held the baby in the crook of her arm.
She held the baby in the crook of her arm.
Grammar Patterns
a crook a dishonest person or criminal He is a well-known crook.
the crook of (sb.'s) arm/elbow the inside part of a bent arm She carried the basket in the crook of her arm.
Similar Words
Synonyms: criminal, thief, swindler; Antonyms: honest person
Etymology
From Old Norse 'krókr', meaning 'hook' or 'bend'. The idea of being bent or not straight connects to dishonesty.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'crooked' path, which isn't straight, just like a 'crook' isn't an honest person. Or picture a shepherd's crook (hooked staff).