crone

n. [ OD. kronie, karonie, an old sheep, OF. carogne, F. charogne, carrion (also F. carogne ill-natured woman.). See Carrion, and Crony. ] 1. An old ewe. [ Obs. ] Tusser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An old woman; -- usually in contempt. [ 1913 Webster ]

But still the crone was constant to her note. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An old man; especially, a man who talks and acts like an old woman. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The old crone [ a negro man ] lived in a hovel, . . . which his master had given him. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]

A few old battered crones of office. Beaconsfield. [ 1913 Webster ]