crick´et|er

crick|et¹ «KRIHK iht», noun.

1. a small, black leaping insect related to the grasshopper. Male crickets make a chirping noise by rubbing their front wings together.

2. a metal toy that fits in the hand and when pressed makes a sound like that of the cricket.

╂[< Old French criquet < criquer creak, rattle]

crick|et² «KRIHK iht», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. an outdoor game played by two teams of eleven players each, with a ball, a flattened bat, and a pair of wickets. Cricket is very popular in England. »

The sport of cricket and its curiously languid vocabulary…“Well-played, sir,” for “Great catch,” and “How-zat?” for “Is he out?” are as British as a crumpet (Newsweek).

2. Informal. fair play; good sportsmanship: »

It's not cricket to bully little children. Many Englishmen think ill of some present policies of the government of South Africa. But Lord's is the last place to mention it. That would not be cricket (New York Times).

–adj.

Informal. according to good sportsmanship; fair; honest.

–v.i.

to play the game of cricket.

╂[< Old French criquet goal post in game of bowls, stick, perhaps < Middle Dutch cricke stick, staff]

–crick´et|er, noun.

crick|et³ «KRIHK iht», noun.

a small, low, wooden stool.

╂[earlier cracket; origin uncertain]