(krān) noun
1. One of a family (Gruidae) of large, long-necked, long-legged, heronlike birds allied to the rails; especially, the sandhill crane (G americana).
2. A heron or cormorant.
3. A hoisting machine having the added capacity of moving a load in a horizontal or lateral direction.
4. An iron arm, swinging horizontally, attached to the back or side of a fireplace: used for suspending pots or kettles over a fire.
—v.t. & v.i. craned, cran·ing
1. To stretch out, as a crane stretches its neck; elongate or be elongated.
2. To halt and lean forward, as a horse hesitating at a leap; hence, to hesitate at anything.
3. To elevate or lift by or as if by a crane. [OE cran]

(krān)
The constellation Grus. See CONSTELLATION.

(krān), Bruce,
1857–1937, U.S. painter.
—Hart,
1899–1932, U.S. poet.
—Stephen,
1871–1900, U.S. poet, novelist, and short-story writer.
—Walter,
1845–1915, English painter and illustrator.