crook
UK: krʊk | US: krʊk
n. 1. a bent or curved implement, tool, or part (e.g., a shepherd's crook)
n. 2. a dishonest or criminal person
vt. 1. to bend or curve something
The word "crook" originates from Old Norse krókr, meaning "hook" or "bend," reflecting its core idea of curvature. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe both physical bends (e.g., tools) and metaphorical "bends" in morality (e.g., criminals). The dual meaning highlights how physical and abstract deviations from straightness share linguistic roots.
The shepherd used a wooden crook to guide the sheep.
The police arrested the crook who stole the jewelry.
She crooked her finger to beckon him closer.
The old tree had a crook in its trunk where two branches split.
His reputation as a crook made it hard to find honest work.