from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Crank \Crank\ (kr[a^][ng]k), n. [OE. cranke; akin to E. cringe,
cringle, crinkle, and to crank, a., the root meaning,
probably, "to turn, twist." See {Cringe}.]
1. (Mach.) 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}.
[1913 Webster]
2. Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a passage.
[1913 Webster]
So many turning cranks these have, so many crooks.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
3. A twist or turn in speech; a conceit consisting in a
change of the form or meaning of a word.
[1913 Webster]
Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
4. A twist or turn of the mind; caprice; whim; crotchet;
also, a fit of temper or passion. [Prov. Eng.]
[1913 Webster]
Violent of temper; subject to sudden cranks.
--Carlyle.
[1913 Webster]
5. A person full of crotchets; one given to fantastic or
impracticable projects; one whose judgment is perverted in
respect to a particular matter. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
6. A sick person; an invalid. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Thou art a counterfeit crank, a cheater. --Burton.
[1913 Webster]
{Crank axle} (Mach.), a driving axle formed with a crank or
cranks, as in some kinds of locomotives.
{Crank pin} (Mach.), the cylindrical piece which forms the
handle, or to which the connecting rod is attached, at the
end of a crank, or between the arms of a double crank.
{Crank shaft}, a shaft bent into a crank, or having a crank
fastened to it, by which it drives or is driven.
{Crank wheel}, a wheel acting as a crank, or having a wrist
to which a connecting rod is attached.
[1913 Webster]