from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cratch \Cratch\ (kr?ch; 224), n. [OE. cracche, crecche, F.
cr[`e]che crib, manger, fr. OHG. krippa, krippea, G. krippe
crib. See {Crib}.]
A manger or open frame for hay; a crib; a rack. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Begin from first where He encradled was,
In simple cratch, wrapt in a wad of hay. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
{Cratch cradle}, a representation of the figure of the
cratch, made upon the fingers with a string; cat's cradle;
-- called also {scratch cradle}.
[1913 Webster]