meaning of crane
1. A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.
2. 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.
3. An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc. , over a fire.
4. A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
5. A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc. , -- generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2.
6. A measure for fresh herrings, -- as many as will fill a barrel.
7. To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; -- with up.
8. To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully.
9. to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap.
10. large long-necked wading bird of marshes and plains in many parts of the world
Related Words
crane | crane fly | cranes-bill | craned | cranelike | cranes bill | cranesbill | cranes-bill |
