CRANE

A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.

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. Crane fly (Zoöl.), a dipterous insect with long legs, of the genus Tipula. -- Derrick crane. See Derrick. -- Gigantic crane. (Zoöl.) See Adjutant, n., 3. -- Traveling crane, Traveler crane, Traversing crane (Mach.), 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.

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.

To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully. G. Eliot.

to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap. Beaconsfield. Thackeray. The passengers eagerly craning forward over the bulwarks. Howells.