from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Croup \Croup\ (kr[=oo]p), n. [Scot. croup, cf. croup, crowp, to
croak, to cry or speak with a hoarse voice; cf. also LG.
kropp, G. kropf, the crop or craw of a bird, and tumor on the
anterior part of the neck, a wen, etc. Cf. {Crop}.] (Med.)
An inflammatory affection of the larynx or trachea,
accompanied by a hoarse, ringing cough and stridulous,
difficult breathing; esp., such an affection when associated
with the development of a false membrane in the air passages
(also called {membranous croup}). See {False croup}, under
{False}, and {Diphtheria}.
[1913 Webster]