Crotch /(krŏch; 224)/

pl. Crotches ((krŏch"ĕz))

1. The angle formed by the parting of two legs or branches; a fork; the point where a trunk divides; as, the crotch of a tree.
2. A stanchion or post of wood or iron, with two arms for supporting a boom, spare yards, etc.; -- called also crane and crutch. (Naut.)
3. In the three-ball carom game, a small space at each corner of the table. See Crotched, below. (Billiards)

imp. & p. p. Crotched; p. pr. & vb. n. Crotch"ing

1. To provide with a crotch; to give the form of a crotch to; as, to crotch the ends of ropes in splicing or tying knots.
2. To notch (a log) on opposite sides to provide a grip for the dogs in hauling. (Logging) [Western, U. S.]