Crowd, n. [W. crwth; akin to Gael. cruit. Perh. named from its shape, and akin to Gr. κυρτόσ curved, and E. curve. Cf. Rote.] An ancient instrument of music with six strings; a kind of violin, being the oldest known stringed instrument played with a bow. [Written also croud, crowth, cruth, and crwth.]
A lackey that... can warble upon a crowd a little.
B. Jonson.