Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Creeper?

\Creep"er\ (kr[=e]p"[~e]r), n. 1. One who, or that which, creeps; any creeping thing. Standing waters are most unwholesome, . . . full of mites, creepers; slimy, muddy, unclean. --Burton. 2. (Bot.) A plant that clings by rootlets, or by tendrils, to the ground, or to trees, etc.; as, the Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia). 3. (Zo["o]l.) A small bird of the genus {Certhia}, allied to the wrens. The brown or common European creeper is {C. familiaris}, a variety of which (var. Americana) inhabits America; -- called also {tree creeper} and {creeptree}. The American black and white creeper is {Mniotilta varia}. 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. 5. pl. A spurlike device strapped to the boot, which enables one to climb a tree or pole; -- called often {telegraph creepers}. 6. A small, low iron, or dog, between the andirons. 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. 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. 9. pl. (Arch.) Crockets. See {Crocket}.