English

Noun

cronehood ‎(uncountable)

1. The condition of being an elderly woman; the time during which a woman is elderly.
   • 1997, David & Leigh Eddings, Polgara the Sorceress, Del Ray (1999), ISBN 0345422554, pages 142-143:

     It was a little vain, perhaps, but the notion of cronehood sent me immediately to my mirror.

2. (Wicca) The elderly stage of a female Wiccan witch (compared with the Crone aspect of the Goddess).
   • 2000, Beverly Engel, Women Circling the Earth, page 34

     Many circles create ceremonies to mark a woman's passage into cronehood and designate special status to crones

   • 2006, Ashleen O'Gaea, Family Wicca: practical paganism for parents and children, page 213

     An archaic term, really, but I like it. crone: A menopausal or post-menopausal Wiccan. The time at which a woman assumes her cronehood is intensely individual.

   • 2007, Kevin M. Gardner, A Handbook for Wiccan Clergy, page 29

     Grant (name) the gifts of inspiration, and a clear and quick mind as he/she approaches the honored state of (Sagehood/Cronehood).

   • 2007, Ruth Barrett, Women's Rites, Women's Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation, page 9

     She speaks her commitment to herself as an elder and to the aspects of cronehood she will celebrate.

Synonyms

• (condition or time of being an elderly woman): anility

Coordinate terms

• (Wicca): sagehood