Defn: A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm. C. vernus is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; C. sativus produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn.
2. (Chem.)
Defn: A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron (Crocus of Mars or colcothar) thus produced from salts of irron, and used as a polishing powder. Crocus of Venus (Old Chem.), oxide of copper.
CROESUS
Croe"sus (kr"ss), n. Etym: [L., fr. G.
Defn: A king of Lydia who flourished in the 6th century b. c., and was renowned for his vast wealth; hence, a common appellation for a very rich man; as, he is veritable Croesus.
CROFT
Croft (krft; 115), n. Etym: [AS. croft; akin to D. kroft hillock; cf.
Gael. croit hump, croft.]
Defn: A small, inclosed field, adjoining a house; a small farm.
A few small crofts of stone-encumbered ground. Wordsworth.
CROFTER
Croft"er (-r), n.
Defn: One who rents and tills a small farm or helding; as, the crofters of Scotland.
CROFTING
Croft"ing, n.