crank

I. noun Etymology: Middle English cranke, from Old English cranc- (as in crancstæf, a weaving instrument); probably akin to Middle High German krank weak, sick — more at cringe Date: 13th century 1. a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa 2. a. archaic bend b. a twist or turn of speech ; conceit — used especially in the phrase quips and cranks c. (1) caprice, crotchet (2) an annoyingly eccentric person; also one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity d. a bad-tempered person ; grouch 3. crystal 7 • crankish adjective II. verb Date: 1592 intransitive verb 1. to move with a winding course ; zigzag 2. a. to turn a crank b. to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank c. to gain speed, momentum, or intensity — usually used with up <

the campaign is cranking up

> transitive verb 1. to move or operate by or as if by a crank <

crank the window down

> 2. a. to cause to start (as an automobile) b. to rotate the shaft (as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter <

crank over an engine

> c. to use in trying to start an engine <

crank the starter

> 3. a. to start as if by use of a crank — usually used with up <

she cranked up the air conditioner

> b. turn up 2 — usually used with up <

crank up the volume

> <

crank up the stereo

> III. adjective Date: 1924 of, relating to, or being a cranky or eccentric person; also made or sent by such a person <

crank calls

> <

a crank letter

> IV. adjective Etymology: Middle English cranke Date: 15th century 1. chiefly dialect merry, high-spirited 2. chiefly dialect cocky, confident V. adjective Etymology: short for crank-sided easily tipped Date: circa 1649 of a boat easily tipped ; tender 7d