noun
crone
krohn
noun
1
An old woman, especially one seen as withered, unpleasant, or witch-like.
"The fairy tale featured a crone who lived alone in the forest."
2
In Wiccan and folklore tradition, the archetype of an old, wise woman, one of the three aspects of the Goddess.
"The Maiden, Mother, and Crone represent the three stages of a woman's life in Wiccan belief."
How to Use Crone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old woman, often used with negative or fairy-tale connotations, though in some traditions it carries respect for age and wisdom.
When to use it
Usually negative or literary in tone; can sound insulting if used casually about a real person.
Word Forms
crones plural, Crones plural
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The fairy tale featured a _____ who lived alone in the forest.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman carogne, related to Old French charogne ("carrion, old ewe") — the same root that gives English the word "carrion."