Comparative form of crany or cransy; more feeble, sickly, or infirm than something else; comparative degree of weakness or illness.
From 'crany' or 'cransy' (meaning weak or sickly, from Old English 'crank') plus the comparative suffix '-er'. Shows how Old English words for weakness evolved into modern terminology.
This word reminds us that English used to have specific grades for sickness—you could be weak, crany (weaker), or cransier (even weaker)—a verbal way of describing the spectrum of illness!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.