crackling /ˈkɹæk(ə)lɪŋ/adjective 1noun 6forms 1 adjective1 •making a lot of small sharp sounds, one after another, like a wood fire—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." — 1827 noun6 •[in the plural] (US) Fat that, after roasting a joint, hardens and crispensFor the first time in his life […]he tasted crackling. — 1823 •The crispy rind of roast pork.To make chicken crackling, use 500 g (1 lb 1V2 oz) chicken skin. Wash and remove excess fats. — 2011 •A crispy, fried skin or rind, especially of pork. •The making of small, sharp cracks or reports, frequently repeated. •Three stripes of velvet worn on the sleeves of students at St John's College, Cambridge. •[usually plural] (no longer used) Food for dogs, made from the refuse of tallow melting. formscracklings
