Mid 16th century (in an earlier sense). Apparently either shortened from crinkle (although attested slightly earlier), or perhaps the reflex of a noun ultimately from the same base.

Late 18th century; earliest use found in Gilbert White (1720–1793), naturalist. Apparently imitative, or perhaps a variant or alteration of creak or crick.

Early 19th century; earliest use found in John Clare (1793–1864), poet, farm labourer, and naturalist. Probably either from crink, or shortened from crinkle, or the reflex of a parallel formation from the same base.