I. ˈkraŋk noun
Etymology: Middle English cranke, from Old English cranc- (as in crancstæf, a weaving instrument); probably akin to Middle High German krank weak, sick — more at cringe
Date: 13th century
1. : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa
2.
a. archaic : bend
b. : a twist or turn of speech : conceit — used especially in the phrase quips and cranks
c.
(1) : caprice , crotchet
(2) : an annoyingly eccentric person ; also : one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity
d. : a bad-tempered person : grouch
3. : crystal 7
• crank·ish ˈkraŋ-kish adjective
II. verb
Date: 1592
intransitive verb
1. : to move with a winding course : zigzag
2.
a. : to turn a crank
b. : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank
c. : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity — usually used with up
the campaign is crank ing up
transitive verb
1. : to move or operate by or as if by a crank
crank the window down
2.
a. : to cause to start (as an automobile)
b. : to rotate the shaft (as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter
crank over an engine
c. : to use in trying to start an engine
crank the starter
3.
a. : to start as if by use of a crank — usually used with up
she crank ed up the air conditioner
b. : turn up 2 — usually used with up
crank up the volume
crank up the stereo
III. adjective
Date: 1924
: of, relating to, or being a cranky or eccentric person ; also : made or sent by such a person
crank calls
a crank letter
IV. adjective
Etymology: Middle English cranke
Date: 15th century
1. chiefly dialect : merry , high-spirited
2. chiefly dialect : cocky , confident
V. adjective
Etymology: short for crank-sided easily tipped
Date: circa 1649
of a boat : easily tipped : tender 7d