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crotchet

noun
crotch·​et | \ ˈkrä-chət How to pronounce crotchet (audio) \

Definition of crotchet

1 obsolete

a : a small hook or hooked instrument
b : brooch
2a : a highly individual and usually eccentric opinion or preference
b : a peculiar trick or device
3 : quarter note
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about crotchet

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of crotchet in a Sentence

her one crotchet is a fondness for eating cookies while soaking in the tub

Recent Examples on the Web

 Among his other crotchets was an aversion to bare canvas. — Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, "The Vulnerable Ferocity of Chaim Soutine," 7 May 2018 Maxine attended to his every whim and crotchet, never lost faith in his brilliance or potential, and delighted in surrounding him with exactly the sort of frivolous company his wife abhorred. — Sadie Stein, New York Times, "How a Villa on the Riviera Became the Year-Round Playground of the Superrich," 11 Oct. 2017

First Known Use of crotchet

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for crotchet

Middle English crochet, from Anglo-French crochet, croket — more at crocket

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