What is "bowling crease"

Crease \Crease\, n. [Cf. LG. krus, G. krause, crispness, krausen, kr[aum]usen, to crisp, curl, lay on folds; or perh. of Celtic origin; cf. Armor. kriz a wrinkle, crease, kriza to wrinkle, fold, W. crych a wrinkle, crychu to rumple, ripple, crease.]

1. A line or mark made by folding or doubling any pliable substance; hence, a similar mark, however produced.

2. (Cricket) One of the lines serving to define the limits of the bowler and the striker.

3. (Lacrosse) The combination of four lines forming a rectangle inclosing either goal, or the inclosed space itself, within which no attacking player is allowed unless the ball is there; -- called also goal crease.

   Bowling crease (Cricket), a line extending three feet four inches on each side of the central strings at right angles to the line between the wickets.

   Return crease (Cricket), a short line at each end of the bowling crease and at right angles to it, extending toward the bowler.

   Popping crease (Cricket),, a line drawn in front of the wicket, four feet distant from it, parallel to the bowling crease and at least as long as the latter.
   --J. H. Walsh (Encyc. of Rural Sports).

n. (context cricket English) The white line marked at each end of the pitch through the wicket and ending at the return creases. When bowling the bowler's front foot must not cross this line until after the ball has been delivered.