n. [ Cf. LG. krus, G. krause, crispness, krausen, kräusen, to crisp, curl, lay on folds; or perh. of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. kriz a wrinkle, crease, kriza to wrinkle, fold, W. crych a wrinkle, crychu to rumple, ripple, crease. ] 1. A line or mark made by folding or doubling any pliable substance; hence, a similar mark, however produced. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Cricket) One of the lines serving to define the limits of the bowler and the striker. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Lacrosse) The combination of four lines forming a rectangle inclosing either goal, or the inclosed space itself, within which no attacking player is allowed unless the ball is there; -- called also goal crease. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
Bowling crease (Cricket), a line extending three feet four inches on each side of the central strings at right angles to the line between the wickets. --
Return crease (Cricket), a short line at each end of the bowling crease and at right angles to it, extending toward the bowler. --
Popping crease (Cricket), , a line drawn in front of the wicket, four feet distant from it, parallel to the bowling crease and at least as long as the latter. J. H. Walsh (Encyc. of Rural Sports). [ 1913 Webster ]