The spelling of "most crannied" may seem unusual, but it follows the rules of English pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /moʊst ˈkrænid/. The "crannied" part is pronounced with a short "a" sound and ends with the "d" sound. The word "most" is added as an intensifier to indicate the extreme level of cranniness. This phrase is commonly used to describe something with many intricate or narrow passages, such as an old castle or maze.
Most crannied is an adjective used to describe something, typically a physical object or a location, that has the highest number or density of crannies. A cranny refers to a narrow opening or cavity, often found in rocks, walls, or other surfaces, that may serve as a hiding place or a shelter for small creatures or objects.
When something is described as "most crannied," it implies that it possesses an abundant and intricate network of crannies. This term suggests that the object or location is extremely porous or filled with numerous small crevices and cracks. These crannies can be formed naturally, through erosion or weathering, or through intentional construction.
The phrase "most crannied" often conveys a sense of complexity, as it implies that the subject has an intricate and detailed structure. It may also indicate a potential for exploration or discovery, as the numerous crannies offer opportunities to uncover hidden surprises or secrets within the object or location.
Overall, the term "most crannied" highlights the high degree of labyrinthine or porous nature of the subject, emphasizing its potential for concealment, shelter, or intricate design through the intricate network of narrow openings or cavities it may possess.
The phrase "most crannied" originates from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". It is found in Hamlet's famous soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5, where he speaks about his father's ghost and how it has revealed terrible secrets:
"But that I am forbid
To tell the secrets of my prison-house,
I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood,
Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres,
Thy knotted and combined locks to part
And each particular hair to stand on end,
Like quills upon the fretful porpentine:
But this eternal blazon must not be
To ears of flesh and blood.