a contrivance in machines, in manner of an elbow, only of a square form, projecting out from an axis or spindle; and serving, by its rotation, to raise and fall the pistons of engines for raising water or the like.

in sea-language. A ship is said to be crank-sided, when, for want of a sufficient quantity of ballast or cargo, she cannot bear her sails, or can bear but small sail, for fear of overfetting.—She is said to be crank by the ground, when her floor is so narrow that she cannot be brought on ground without danger.

CRANK is also an iron brace which supports the lanthorns on the poop-quarters, &c.