Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Crone
Crone (krōn), n. [OD. kronie, karonie, an old sheep, OF. carogne, F. charogne, carrion (also F. carogne illnatured woman.). See Carrion, and Crony.] 1. An old ewe. [Obs.] Tusser.
2. An old woman; — usually in contempt.
But still the crone was constant to her note. Dryden.
3. An old man; especially, a man who talks and acts like an old woman. [R.]
The old crone [a negro man] lived in a hovel, . . . which his master had given him. W. Irving.
A few old battered crones of office. Beaconsfield.