Definition of crane

• n. - A measure for fresh herrings, -- as many as will fill a barrel.
• n. - A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.
• n. - 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.
• n. - An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc., over a fire.
• n. - A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
• n. - A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc., -- generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2.
• v. t. - To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; -- with up.
• v. t. - To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully.
• v. i. - to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap.