Crewel definitions Webster's 1828 Dictionary CREWEL, n. Yarn twisted and wound on a knot or ball ... worsted yarn used for tapestry and embroidery. Phrases and idioms: crewel-work a design worked in crewel on linen or cloth. Etymology: ME crule etc., of unkn. orig. Webster's 1913 Dictionary Crewel Crew"el (kr?"?l), n. [Perh. for clewel, dim. of ...