derrick

[ der-ik ]

noun

1. Machinery. a jib crane having a boom hinged near the base of the mast so as to rotate about the mast, for moving a load toward or away from the mast by raising or lowering the boom.
2. Also called oil derrick. the towerlike framework over an oil well or the like.
3. a boom for lifting cargo, pivoted at its inner end to a ship's mast or kingpost, and raised and supported at its outer end by topping lifts.

verb (used with or without object)

1. Machinery. luff.

derrick

/ ˈdɛrɪk /

noun

1. a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom
2. the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered

verb

1. to raise or lower the jib of (a crane)

Word History and Origins

Origin of derrick¹

Originally a hangman, the gallows, after the surname of a well-known Tyburn hangman, circa 1600

Word History and Origins

Origin of derrick¹

C17 (in the sense: gallows): from Derrick, name of a celebrated hangman at Tyburn

Example Sentences

Out of all of Donald Trump’s supporters, Derrick Evans has a particular reason to be happy with November’s election results – he hopes the president-elect will give him a pardon for participating in the 6 January riot at the US Capitol.

From BBC

For the moment, the release of everyone charged with riot-related offenses seems unlikely, but non-violent offenders such as Derrick Evans have called for large numbers to be freed.

From BBC

Freshman running back Derrick Jackson will be tough to stop.

From Los Angeles Times

If the Titans were able to gain 132 yards on the ground, how many will Derrick Henry and the Ravens get?

From Los Angeles Times

Returning to early Black American liberals allows us to envision what I call an “identity-aware” approach that recognizes history’s impact on the outcomes of various groups while lowering what philosopher Derrick Darby calls the “race-first” flag to build coalitions across racial and gender lines.

From Salon