The atmosphere grew thick and cold—
It had begun to jell,
When I, with desperation bold,
Arose, and gave a yell!
Critch, v. 1. To array oneself in uncomfortable splendor.
Critch´et-y, a. 1. Conspicuous and stiff; garbed elaborately, especially on a hot day. 2. Painfully aware of one’s costume.
Oh, that stiff collar! That binding corset! Those burning feet in the tight shoes! Yes, you are critched, but at the same time you have the moral support of being becomingly and fashionably clad. A critch is half pride and half madness—it’s the martyrdom of fashion. (See Vorge.)
The unaccustomed exquisite in his hard boiled shirt, stiff cuffs and high collar stands critchety, but willing to endure the agonies of the aristocracy.
You may be too cool in decolleté, or too warm in your furs, but vanity vanquishes the critch.
You are critched when you have a picture taken, but that radiant smile survives. At private theatricals all the actors are critched with tights and swords and furbelows—trying to appear at ease. (See Wowze.)
The banker is critched with his silk hat in a high wind; and the dowager, as she carefully arranges her skirts when she is seated. But to be properly critched, you must be a Japanese countess, putting on stays for the first time in your artless, lavender life.
A sovereign’s lot is sad and strange,
For kings and queens, they say,
Are all uneasy; they must change
Their clothes ten times a day!
Ah, robes and uniforms and crowns
Are glorious things, I know,
And queens do wear expensive gowns—
They must be critchety, though!