| crane |
noun |
A measure for fresh herrings, — as many as will fill a barrel., A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck., A machine for raising and lowering heavy weights, and, while holding them suspended, transporting them through a limited lateral distance. In one form it consists of a projecting arm or jib of timber or iron, a rotating post or base, and the necessary tackle, windlass, etc.; — so called from a fancied similarity between its arm and the neck of a crane See Illust. of Derrick., An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc., over a fire., A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask., A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc., — generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2., To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; — with up., To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully., to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap. |
| crank |
noun |
A bent portion of an axle, or shaft, or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft, by which motion is imparted to or received from it; also used to change circular into reciprocating motion, or reciprocating into circular motion. See Bell crank., Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a passage., A twist or turn in speech; a conceit consisting in a change of the form or meaning of a word., A twist or turn of the mind; caprice; whim; crotchet; also, a fit of temper or passion., A person full of crotchets; one given to fantastic or impracticable projects; one whose judgment is perverted in respect to a particular matter., A sick person; an invalid., Sick; infirm., Liable to careen or be overset, as a ship when she is too narrow, or has not sufficient ballast, or is loaded too high, to carry full sail., Full of spirit; brisk; lively; sprightly; overconfident; opinionated., To run with a winding course; to double; to crook; to wind and turn. |