telegraph creepers

Creeper Creep"er (kr[=e]p"[~e]r), n. 1. One who, or that which, creeps; any creeping thing. [1913 Webster]

Standing waters are most unwholesome, . . . full of mites, creepers; slimy, muddy, unclean. --Burton. [1913 Webster]

2. (Bot.) A plant that clings by rootlets, or by tendrils, to the ground, or to trees, etc.; as, the Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia). [1913 Webster]

3. (Zo["o]l.) A small bird of the genus {Certhia}, allied to the wrens. The brown or common European creeper is {Certhia familiaris}, a variety of which (var. Americana) inhabits America; -- called also {tree creeper} and {creeptree}. The American black and white creeper is {Mniotilta varia}. [1913 Webster]

4. A kind of patten mounted on short pieces of iron instead of rings; also, a fixture with iron points worn on a shoe to prevent one from slipping. [1913 Webster]

5. pl. A spurlike device strapped to the boot, which enables one to climb a tree or pole; -- called often {telegraph creepers}. [1913 Webster]

6. A small, low iron, or dog, between the andirons. [1913 Webster]

7. pl. An instrument with iron hooks or claws for dragging at the bottom of a well, or any other body of water, and bringing up what may lie there. [1913 Webster]

8. Any device for causing material to move steadily from one part of a machine to another, as an apron in a carding machine, or an inner spiral in a grain screen. [1913 Webster]

9. pl. (Arch.) Crockets. See {Crocket}. [1913 Webster]