Webster's English Dictionary

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crane

1. crane \'kra-n\ n [ME cran, fr. OE; akin to OHG krano crane, Gk geranos, 
   L g]rus, Skt jarate it crackles 1: any of a family (Gruidae of the order 
   Gruiformes) of tall wading birds s uperficially resembling the herons but 
   structurally more nearly related to the rails 2: any of several herons  3: 
   a projection often horizontal swinging about a vertical axis : as  3a: a 
   machine for raising, shifting, and lowering heavy weights by means of  a 
   projecting swinging arm or with the hoisting apparatus supported on an 
   overhead track 3b: an iron arm in a fireplace for supporting kettles  3c: a 
   boom for holding a motion-picture or television camera 
2. crane vt 1: to raise or lift by or as if by a crane  2: to stretch 
   forward  1: to stretch one's neck to see better  2: HESITATE