From Old English cran, the bird name, with relatives in Germanic languages and older links to Greek geranos and Latin grus. The machine sense arose from the long-necked shape of the bird.
FAQ
What does crane mean as a machine?
It is a long-armed machine or hoist used to lift, move, or support heavy loads and equipment.
What does crane mean as a bird?
It is a large bird of the Gruidae family, known for long legs, a long neck, broad wings, and loud calls.
How is crane used as a verb for lifting?
It means to lift or move something with a crane, as in They craned the piano through the window.
How is crane used as a verb for the body?
It means to stretch the neck or body toward something in order to see, hear, or reach it.
Is a heron the same as a crane?
No. Cranes belong to Gruidae, while herons belong to a different family and often fly with the neck pulled back.
Is the machine crane named after the bird?
Yes. The machine sense developed from the bird name because the projecting arm suggested a long neck.
What is the past tense of the verb crane?
The regular past tense is craned, not crained.
Can crane mean hesitate?
Yes, but that sense is rare and mainly belongs to old-fashioned or specialist writing about horses before a jump.
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