crumbs, int.
(krʌmz)
Also by crum(s), by crumbs.
[In phr. by crum(s), a disguised oath.]
An exclamation of consternation, dismay, etc.
| 1892 ‘Q’ Three Ships i. 24 She'll not weather Gaffer's Rock. By crum! if she does, they may drive her in 'pon the beach, yet! a 1918 W. Owen Poems (1963) 60 Vrach! By crumbs, but that was near. 1922 ‘R. Crompton’ Just—William viii. 166 ‘Crumbs!’ said William, ‘Talk about bad luck!’ 1922 F. Hamilton P.J.: Secret Service Boy vii. 277 O crumbs! Did he really say that I didn't mind wearing that rig-out? 1943 H. Pearson Conan Doyle iii. 52 Devil of a temper you've got, Doyle! By Crums, it's hardly safe to go out with you. 1956 S. Gibbons Here be Dragons iv. 74 Nothing like that. Crumbs! I should say not. |