derrick
/ˈdɛɹɪk/ noun, verb, proper noun
Forms derricks derricking derricked
- noun A device that is used for lifting and moving large objects.
- noun A framework that is constructed over a mine or oil well for the purpose of boring or lowering pipes.
- noun (obsolete) An executioner responsible for hanging convicts; a hangman.
- verb (transitive) To hoist with, or as if with, a derrick.
- verb (transitive, baseball, informal) To remove (a pitcher).
- proper noun A male given name from the Germanic languages, variant of Derek.
- proper noun A surname.
Synonyms
Etymology
Named after British executioner Thomas Derrick, who invented the framework arrangement commonly known by this name to aid in the conduct of executions. First use appears c. 1600 in the publication Ballad Death Earl Essex.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A mast, spar, or tall frame, supported at the top by stays or guys, with suitable tackle for hoisting heavy weights, as stones in building. Derrick crane, a combination of the derrick and the crane, having facility for hoisting and also for swinging the load horizontally.
Etymology [Orig., a gallows, from a hangman named Derrick. The name is of Dutch origin; D. Diederik, Dierryk, prop. meaning, chief of the people; cf. AS. peódric, E. Theodoric, G. Dietrich. See Dutch, and Rich.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “derrick”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details