Wiktionary:Etymology scriptorium/2011/July

by hook or by crook
This etymology really needs to be cleaned up and simplified. And I also really hope it's not a copyright violation. ---&gt; Tooironic 13:34, 11 July 2011 (UTC)


 * More to the point, it's complete bollocks. I would ditch it all and just say "origin unknown". < class="latinx" >Ƿidsiþ 13:52, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * EtymOnline says "By hook or by crook (late 14c.) probably alludes to tools of professional thieves". Equinox ◑ 14:05, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Does Crystal's By Hook or by Crook language travelogue have some coverage? DCDuring TALK 14:58, 11 July 2011 (UTC)


 * Wikipedia provides this link, which provides credence for the etym, at least as a theory. Also this one (see under "common of estovers"). Several sources refer to Wycliffe's Controversial Tracts as the earliest usage (c.1380) - though the first link above says otherwise. — Pingkudimmi 16:25, 11 July 2011 (UTC)