1crook 
/ˈkrʊk/ noun
plural crooks /ˈkrʊk/ noun [count] 1 informal a : a dishonest person
▪ He thinks politicians are just a bunch of crooks.
b : a criminal
▪ a small-time crook 2 a : the place where part of the body (such as an arm, leg, or finger) bends
▪ the crook of his arm
b : a curved or hooked part of something
▪ The squirrel sat in the crook of the tree. ▪ the crook of the cane 3 : a long stick with one end curved into a hook that is used by a shepherd
▪ He thinks politicians are just a bunch of crooks.
b : a criminal
▪ a small-time crook
▪ the crook of his arm
b : a curved or hooked part of something
▪ The squirrel sat in the crook of the tree. ▪ the crook of the cane
by hook or by crook — see 1hook
