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Entry 10 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Crane

/(krān)/ · IPA /kɹeɪn/
01 n. A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.
  1. 1.
    A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.(Zool.)
  2. 2.
    Any arm which swings about a vertical axis at one end, used for supporting a suspended weight.
  3. 3.
    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. See: Derrick
  4. 4.
    An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc., over a fire.
  5. 5.
    A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
  6. 6.
    A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc., -- generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2.(Naut.) See: Crotch
  7. 7.
    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.
02 v. t. To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; -- with up.
imp. & p. p. Craned; p. pr. & vb. n. Craning
  1. 1.
    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.” — Bates.
    “An upstart craned up to the height he has.” — Massinger.
  2. 2.
    To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully.
03 v. i. to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap.
  1. 1.
    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.” — Howells.