crank

CRANK, noun [This word probably belongs to the root of cringe, krinkle, to bend.] 1. Literally, a bend or turn. Hence, an iron axis with the end bent like an elbow, for moving a piston, the saw in a saw-mill, etc., and causing it to rise and fall at every turn. 2. Any bend, turn or winding. 3. A twisting or turning is speech; a conceit which consists in a change of the form or meaning of a word. Quips and cranks, and wanton wiles. 4. An iron brace for various purposes. CRANK, adjective [g., to careen a ship.] 1. In seamens language, liable to be overset, as a ship when she is too narrow, or has not sufficient ballast to carry full sail. 2. Stout; bold; erect; as a cock crowing crank CRANK, CRANKLE, verb intransitive [See crank noun , and Crinkle.] To run in a winding course; to bend, wind and turn. See how this river comes me crankling in.