Return crease

Crease Crease, n. [Cf. LG. krus, G. krause, crispness, krausen, kr[aum]usen, to crisp, curl, lay on folds; or perh. of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. kriz a wrinkle, crease, kriza to wrinkle, fold, W. crych a wrinkle, crychu to rumple, ripple, crease.] 1. A line or mark made by folding or doubling any pliable substance; hence, a similar mark, however produced. [1913 Webster]

2. (Cricket) One of the lines serving to define the limits of the bowler and the striker. [1913 Webster]

3. (Lacrosse) The combination of four lines forming a rectangle inclosing either goal, or the inclosed space itself, within which no attacking player is allowed unless the ball is there; -- called also {goal crease}. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{Bowling crease} (Cricket), a line extending three feet four inches on each side of the central strings at right angles to the line between the wickets.

{Return crease} (Cricket), a short line at each end of the bowling crease and at right angles to it, extending toward the bowler.

{Popping crease} (Cricket),, a line drawn in front of the wicket, four feet distant from it, parallel to the bowling crease and at least as long as the latter. --J. H. Walsh (Encyc. of Rural Sports). [1913 Webster]