Crane /(krān)/
Crane
n.
- A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck. (Zool.)
- Any arm which swings about a vertical axis at one end, used for supporting a suspended weight.
- 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. (Naut.)
- The American blue heron (Ardea herodias). (Zool.) [Local, U. S.]
Phrases & Compounds
- Crane fly
- a dipterous insect with long legs, of the genus Tipula.
- Derrick crane
- See Derrick.
- Gigantic crane
- See Adjutant, n., 3.
- Traveling crane
- a crane mounted on wheels; esp., an overhead crane consisting of a crab or other hoisting apparatus traveling on rails or beams fixed overhead, as in a machine shop or foundry.
- Water crane
- a kind of hydrant with a long swinging spout, for filling locomotive tenders, water carts, etc., with water.
Crane
v. t.
imp. & p. p. Craned; p. pr. & vb. n. Craning
-
To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; -- with up. [R.]
What engines, what instruments are used in craning up a soul, sunk below the center, to the highest heavens.
An upstart craned up to the height he has.
- To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully.
crane
v. i.
-
to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap.
The passengers eagerly craning forward over the bulwarks.