from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Creeper \Creep"er\ (kr[=e]p"[~e]r), n.
1. One who, or that which, creeps; any creeping thing.
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Standing waters are most unwholesome, . . . full of
mites, creepers; slimy, muddy, unclean. --Burton.
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2. (Bot.) A plant that clings by rootlets, or by tendrils, to
the ground, or to trees, etc.; as, the Virginia creeper
(Ampelopsis quinquefolia).
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3. (Zool.) A small bird of the genus {Certhia}, allied to the
wrens. The brown or common European creeper is {Certhia
familiaris}, a variety of which (var. Americana) inhabits
America; -- called also {tree creeper} and {creeptree}.
The American black and white creeper is {Mniotilta varia}.
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4. A kind of patten mounted on short pieces of iron instead
of rings; also, a fixture with iron points worn on a shoe
to prevent one from slipping.
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5. pl. A spurlike device strapped to the boot, which enables
one to climb a tree or pole; -- called often {telegraph
creepers}.
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6. A small, low iron, or dog, between the andirons.
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7. pl. An instrument with iron hooks or claws for dragging at
the bottom of a well, or any other body of water, and
bringing up what may lie there.
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8. Any device for causing material to move steadily from one
part of a machine to another, as an apron in a carding
machine, or an inner spiral in a grain screen.
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9. pl. (Arch.) Crockets. See {Crocket}.
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