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(krn), Crane (krn)}, n.[Scot., fr. Gael. crann.] A measure for fresh herrings, -- as many as will fill a barrel. [Scot.] H. Miller. Crane (krn), n.[AS. cran; akin to D. & LG. craan, G. kranich, krahn (this in sense 2), Gr. ge°ranos, L. grus, W. & Armor. garan, OSlav. zerav, Lith. gerve, Icel. trani, Sw. trana, Dan. trane. 24. Cf. Geranium.] 1. (Zol.) A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck. The common European crane is Grus cinerea. The sand-hill crane (G. Mexicana) and the whooping crane (G. Americana) are large American species. The Balearic or crowned crane is Balearica pavonina. The name is sometimes erroneously applied to the herons and cormorants. 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 Crane (krn), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Craned (krnd); p. pr. & vb. n.Craning.] 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. To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully. G. Eliot. crane v. i.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. Crane n. 1. Any arm which swings about a vertical axis at one end, used for supporting a suspended weight. 2. (Zol.) The American blue heron (Ardea herodias). [Local, U. S.] スポンサード リンク
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