croîs

Croîs is a term derived from French, meaning "growth" or "increase." It is most commonly encountered in historical and genealogical contexts, referring to the increase in population within a specific community or region over a period of time. This demographic expansion could be attributed to various factors such as a higher birth rate, lower mortality rate, or migration into the area.

Historically, records of croîs were important for understanding the development of towns and villages, as well as for assessing the availability of labor and resources. Genealogists may encounter the term when examining old parish registers or land records, where it signifies a growing population that might lead to increased competition for land or social mobility.

While the term itself is French, the concept of population growth is universal and has been a key driver of societal change throughout history. Understanding the croîs of a community can provide valuable insights into its economic, social, and cultural evolution. The term's usage is primarily confined to academic and historical research, and it is not a commonly used word in modern everyday language.