crock

1) (AngSax. crocca.) An earthen vessel, a pot or pitcher, a cup.--Webster.

This old English word is still used in some parts of New England.

Therefore the vulgar did about him flocke,

Like foolish flies into an honey crocke.--Spenser, F. Queen, V. 2. 33.

2) The black of a pot; smut, the dust of soot or coal.

This word is provincial in various parts of England, and is there used precisely as in the United States.

At one of our frolics, there was one long-haired fellow, looked as though he'd been among the pets and kettles, and got a great gob of crock on his upper lip.--Lafayette Chron.