| n. | 1. | (Zool.) A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck. |
| 2. | Any arm which swings about a vertical axis at one end, used for supporting a suspended weight. |
| 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. |
| 4. | An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc., over a fire. |
| 5. | A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask. |
| 6. | (Naut.) A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc., - generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2. |
| 7. | (Zool.) The American blue heron (Ardea herodias). |
| v. t. | 1. | To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; - with up. |
| 2. | To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully. |
| v. i. | 1. | to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap. |
.
.