(Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7). In both of these passages the Authorized Version has reversed the Hebrew order of the words. "Crane or swallow" should be "swallow or crane," as in the Revised Version. The rendering is there correct. The Hebrew for crane is 'agur, the Grus cincerea, a bird well known in Palestine. It is migratory, and is distinguished by its loud voice, its cry being hoarse and melancholy.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A measure for fresh herrings, -- as many as will fill a barrel.

2. (n.) A wading bird of the genus Grus, and allied genera, of various species, having a long, straight bill, and long legs and neck.

3. (n.) A machine for raising and lowering heavy weights, and, while holding them suspended, transporting them through a limited lateral distance. In one form it consists of a projecting arm or jib of timber or iron, a rotating post or base, and the necessary tackle, windlass, etc.; -- so called from a fancied similarity between its arm and the neck of a crane See Illust. of Derrick.

4. (n.) An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace, for supporting kettles, etc., over a fire.

5. (n.) A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.

6. (n.) A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc., -- generally used in pairs. See Crotch, 2.

7. (v. t.) To cause to rise; to raise or lift, as by a crane; -- with up.

8. (v. t.) To stretch, as a crane stretches its neck; as, to crane the neck disdainfully.

9. (v. i.) to reach forward with head and neck, in order to see better; as, a hunter cranes forward before taking a leap.