How Do You Spell CRATCHES?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈat͡ʃɪz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Cratches" may seem unusual, but it is actually a valid term in the maritime industry. It refers to wooden support structures used to hold a vessel in place while it is being repaired or unloaded. The pronunciation of "Cratches" is [ˈkrætʃɪz], with the "ch" sound representing the voiceless postalveolar affricate consonant. This phonetic transcription implies that the word is pronounced with a hard "k" sound followed by a combination of "r" and "t," producing a distinct sound that is different from the English word "catches."

CRATCHES Meaning and Definition

1. Cratches, also known as crosstrees or gallowses, refer to horizontal structures or bars in various settings. Primarily used in the maritime industry, cratches are constructed across the bow or stern of a ship to provide support for the anchor or other heavy loads. They are typically made of strong, durable materials such as wood or metal, depending on the size and purpose of the vessel.

   In a more specialized definition, cratches can also refer to a supporting framework in canal boats or narrowboats. These cratches are usually placed at the stern and provide a convenient storage space for goods and cargo, particularly those that are larger and more difficult to fit inside the boat's cabins. Similar to cratches on ships, these canal boat cratches can be made out of timber or metal and are designed to withstand the weight and strains of transportation.

   The word "cratch" is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "krats," which means "a rack or framework used for drying fish" — signifying its practical use in various handling and storage purposes throughout history. Today, cratches continue to be an integral part of maritime and canal operations, serving as sturdy supports and storage solutions to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods and equipment.

Common Misspellings for CRATCHES

• crtches
• crrutches
• krutches
• creaches
• xratches
• vratches
• fratches
• dratches
• ceatches
• ctatches
• c5atches
• c4atches
• crztches
• crstches
• crarches
• crafches
• cragches
• crayches
• cra6ches
• cra5ches

Etymology of CRATCHES

The word "cratches" is derived from Middle English "crauches", which in turn comes from Old English "cræcce" and Old Norse "krakka". Originally, "cræcce" referred to a rack or framework made of poles where hay or fodder was stored for animals. Over time, the word evolved to specifically denote a frame or support used to hold containers such as milk pails or buckets. The meaning of "cratches" later extended to refer to wooden or metal frames specifically designed for holding and feeding horses or other livestock.