(krangk) noun
1. A device for transmitting motion, as by the hand, or for converting rotary into reciprocating motion, as a handle attached at right angles to a shaft.
2. Colloq. One who lacks mental balance; a person given to caprices, crotchets, or vagaries.
3. A fantastic turn of speech; quip; conceit; also, a twist or perversion of judgment; whim.
4. An eccentric notion or action.
5. Colloq. A grouchy, ill-tempered person.
6. Obs. A bend.
—v.t.
1. To bend into the shape of a crank.
2. To furnish with a crank.
3. To operate or start by a crank,
—v.i.
4. To turn a crank, as in starting an internal-combustion engine.
5. Obs. To bend; twist. [OE crane, as in crancstæf a weaving comb]

(krangk) adjective
1. Ill-balanced; easily capsized: said of a boat.
2. Hence, shaky. Also cranky. [Earlier crank-sided <Du. krengd heeled over <krengan push]

(krangk) adjective
Spirited; lively. [Origin uncertain]