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, _c., 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, a. [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, v.i. [See Crank, n., and Crinkle.] To run in a winding course; to bend, wind and turn.
See How this river comes me crankling in.
