crackling

noun

1. 1

   Fat that, after roasting a joint, hardens and crispens

   For the first time in his life […]he tasted crackling.

2. 2

   The crispy rind of roast pork.

   To make chicken crackling, use 500 g (1 lb 1V2 oz) chicken skin. Wash and remove excess fats.

3. 3

   A crispy, fried skin or rind, especially of pork.

   ... but often forgotten are the equally delicious chicken cracklings. In this recipe, baguette slices spread with a delicious maple and sea salt butter are baked, then topped with crispy pan-fried chicken skin, sweet soft dates,[…]

4. 4

   The making of small, sharp cracks or reports, frequently repeated.

   the bangs and cracklings of fireworks

5. 5

   obsoleteFood for dogs, made from the refuse of tallow melting.

6. 6

   Three stripes of velvet worn on the sleeves of students at St John's College, Cambridge.

adjective

1. 1

   Sounding with small, sharp cracks or reports, frequently repeated.

   —With wreathing spire Up went the crackling flame,—and that old man Forgetful of his anguish, boldly cried —"Courage, my brother!—we this day will light Such fire in christendom, as ne'er shall die."

verb

1. 1

   Also a form of cracklepresent participle and gerund of crackle

Forms

plural

cracklings