<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Any large wading bird of the family Gruidae, characterized by long legs, bill, and neck and an elevated hind toe.</li><li>(Not used scientifically) Any of various similar birds of other families, as the great blue heron.</li><li>Machinery: A device for lifting and moving heavy weights in suspension.</li><li>Any of various similar devices, as a horizontally swinging arm by a fireplace, used for suspending pots over the fire.</li><li>Movies, Television: A vehicle having a long boom on which a camera can be mounted for taking shots from high angles.</li><li>Nautical: Any of a number of supports for a boat or spare spar on the deck or at the side of a vessel.</li><li>Crane, Astronomy: The constellation Grus.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) To hoist, lower, or move by or as by a crane.</li><li>To stretch (the neck) as a crane does.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) To stretch out one's neck, especially to see better.</li><li>To hesitate at danger, difficulty, etc.</li></ul>