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

Born in Cincinnati, Prather grew up in Longview, Texas, against a backdrop of oilfield pumps and derricks.

From MIT Technology Review

My next stop was Butte, where abandoned derricks are scattered across the landscape, some lit up at night.

From Washington Post

“After the withdraw, they realized that firefighter Craig-Lewis was missing,” said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.

From The Daily Beast

The glass-enclosed elevator that I take shows another building being erected, with a great derrick and all.

From The Daily Beast

Derrick, now 22, was also diagnosed with ADHD at a young age.

From The Daily Beast

Tuff cared for Derrick and his older sister, LaVita, while working two or three jobs at a time.

From The Daily Beast

Derrick “Pimp Snooky” Avery was sent away for 20 years in 2010.

From The Daily Beast

If with the Vice-Admiral he will hoist a white flag at the end of the gaff or derrick, and fire two guns.

From Project Gutenberg

A longing for some closer communion than she had known before drew her toward this church, of which Derrick Jaynes was the rector.

From Project Gutenberg

"We'll grade up the gravel dump to begin with, and then make a new derrick," Festing answered gloomily.

From Project Gutenberg

Derrick went back to his work, thinking about Miss Barholm, of course.

From Project Gutenberg

Fergus Derrick was a young man, and young men were fond of novelties.

From Project Gutenberg