derrick

views updated Jun 08 2018

der·rick / ˈderik/ • n. 1. a kind of crane with a movable pivoted arm for moving or lifting heavy weights, esp. on a ship.2. the framework over an oil well or similar boring that holds the drilling machinery.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

derrick

views updated May 17 2018

derrick †hangman; †gallows XVI; hoisting contrivance XVIII. f. surname of a noted hangman at Tyburn c. 1600.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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