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crinkum-crankum

noun
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crin·​kum-cran·​kum | \ ¦kriŋkəm¦kraŋkəm \
plural -s

Definition of crinkum-crankum

archaic
: something full of twists and turns : a thing fancifully or excessively intricate and elaborate

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First Known Use of crinkum-crankum

1670, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for crinkum-crankum

alteration (influenced by Latin nouns ending in -um) of crinkle-crankle

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The first known use of crinkum-crankum was in 1670

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkum-crankum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crinkum-crankum. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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