/krayn/ , n. , v. , craned, craning .
n.
1. any large wading bird of the family Gruidae, characterized by long legs, bill, and neck and an elevated hind toe.
2. (not used scientifically) any of various similar birds of other families, as the great blue heron.
3. Mach. a device for lifting and moving heavy weights in suspension.
4. any of various similar devices, as a horizontally swinging arm by a fireplace, used for suspending pots over the fire.
5. Motion Pictures , Television. a vehicle having a long boom on which a camera can be mounted for taking shots from high angles.
6. Naut. any of a number of supports for a boat or spare spar on the deck or at the side of a vessel.
7. ( cap. ) Astron. the constellation Grus.
v.t.
8. to hoist, lower, or move by or as by a crane.
9. to stretch (the neck) as a crane does.
v.i.
10. to stretch out one's neck, esp. to see better.
11. to hesitate at danger, difficulty, etc.
[ bef. 1000; ME; OE cran; c. G Kran, Gk géranos ]