crane

Definitions

• Any bird of the family Gruidae, large birds with long legs and a long neck which is extended during flight.
• (US) Ardea herodias, the great blue heron.
• A mechanical lifting machine or device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes.
• An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace for supporting kettles etc. over the fire.
• A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
• (nautical) A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc.; generally used in pairs.