Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Crease \Crease\, n. [Cf. LG. krus, G. krause, crispness,
   krausen, kr[aum]usen, to crisp, curl, lay on folds; or perh.
   of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. kriz a wrinkle, crease, kriza to
   wrinkle, fold, W. crych a wrinkle, crychu to rumple, ripple,
   crease.]
   1. A line or mark made by folding or doubling any pliable
      substance; hence, a similar mark, however produced.

   2. (Cricket) One of the lines serving to define the limits of
      the bowler and the striker.

   {Bowling crease} (Cricket), a line extending three feet four
      inches on each side of the central strings at right angles
      to the line between the wickets.

   {Return crease} (Cricket), a short line at each end of the
      bowling crease and at right angles to it, extending toward
      the bowler.

   {Popping crease} (Cricket),, a line drawn in front of the
      wicket, four feet distant from it, parallel to the bowling
      crease and at least as long as the latter. --J. H. Walsh
      (Encyc. of Rural Sports).