Cranes meaning : Any bird of the family Gruidae, large birds with long legs and a long neck which is extended during flight. Ardea herodias, the great blue heron. A mechanical lifting machine or device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes. An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace for supporting kettles etc. over the fire. A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask. A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc.; generally used in pairs. To extend (one's neck). To raise or lower with, or as if with, a crane. To pull up before a jump. The cranium.