DCHP-1 Online
creeper 
n. one of a pair of metal bands or plates equipped with caulks (def. 1) or spikes and attached to boots or overshoes for walking on icy surfaces.
See also: caulk (def. 1) ice-creepers
- a1820 (1838) I saw an old gentleman carefully picking his way across a steep street with creepers (spikes made to buckle under the sole) on his feet and a pointed walking stick in his hand. . . .
- 1861 We generally wear what on the coast are called "creepers," which are made in the shape of a cross with thick "starts," and which are much the same as cricketers wear in England.
- 1950 The climb became too rough and steep for snowshoes so we exchanged them for creepers, made of light steel bands with sharp prongs under the ball of the foot.
- 1955 He would go out walking on Montreal's uneven sidewalks . . . with his feet spiked with "creepers," which reminded him of the "crampons" used in Switzerland for crossing the glaciers.
- a1820 (1838) I saw an old gentleman carefully picking his way across a steep street with creepers (spikes made to buckle under the sole) on his feet and a pointed walking stick in his hand. . . .