The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cratch \Cratch\ (kr?ch; 224), n. [OE. cracche, crecche, F.
   cr[`e]che crib, manger, fr. OHG. krippa, krippea, G. krippe
   crib. See Crib.]
   A manger or open frame for hay; a crib; a rack. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         Begin from first where He encradled was,
         In simple cratch, wrapt in a wad of hay. --Spenser.
   [1913 Webster]

   Cratch cradle, a representation of the figure of the
      cratch, made upon the fingers with a string; cat's cradle;
      -- called also scratch cradle.
      [1913 Webster]