Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CREW, n. [contracted from Sax. cread, or cruth, a crowd; D. rot; G. rotte; Sw. rote; Eng. rout, an assembly, a collection, from gathering or pressing. Class Rd.]

1. A company of people associated; as, a noble crew; a gallant crew. Spenser. Chevy-Chase.
2. A company, in a low or bad sense, which is now most usual; a herd; as, a rebel crew. Milton. So we say, a miserable crew.
3. The company of seamen who man a ship, vessel, or boat; the company belonging to a vessel. Also, the company or gang of carpenter, gunner, boatswain, &c. It is appropriated to the common sailors.