croup

²croup

noun

Definition of CROUP

: inflammation, edema, and subsequent obstruction of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi especially of infants and young children that is typically caused by a virus and is marked by episodes of difficult breathing and hoarse metallic cough

— croupy \-pē\ adjective

Origin of CROUP

English dialect croup to cry hoarsely, cough, probably of imitative origin

First Known Use: 1765