| Crank (crank) |
|---|
| n. | (kr?nk) |
|---|
| Crank |
| [OE.
cranke; akin to E. cringe, cringle,
crinkle, and to crank, a., the root meaning,
probably, "to turn, twist." See Cringe.] |
A bent portion of an axle,
or shaft, or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft,
by which motion is imparted to or received from it; also used to
change circular into reciprocating motion, or reciprocating into
circular motion. See Bell crank.
Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a
passage.
A twist or turn in speech; a conceit
consisting in a change of the form or meaning of a
word.
A twist or turn of the mind; caprice;
whim; crotchet; also, a fit of temper or passion.
A person full of crotchets; one given
to fantastic or impracticable projects; one whose judgment is
perverted in respect to a particular matter.
A sick person; an invalid.
|
| Crank (crank) |
|---|
| a. | (kr?nk) |
|---|
| Crank |
| [AS.
cranc weak ; akin to Icel. krangr, D. *** G.
krank sick, weak (cf. D. krengen to careen). Cf.
Crank, n.] |
Sick]
infirm.
Liable to careen or be
overset, as a ship when she is too narrow, or has not sufficient
ballast, or is loaded too high, to carry full sail.
Full of spirit; brisk; lively;
sprightly; overconfident; opinionated.
|
To run with a winding course; to
double; to crook; to wind and turn.
|
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 