See Also: crank(4)(dictionary)
crank(5)(dictionary)
crank(7)(dictionary)
crank(3)(dictionary)
crank(2)(dictionary)
crank(1)(dictionary)
crank(8)(dictionary)
crank(9)(dictionary)
crank(encyclopedia)
crank(6)(dictionary)

crank(4) (iou)



crank adjective3. E18.
[from CRANK noun1 or back-form. from CRANKY adjective.]
Crooked, distorted; angularly twisted or bent. Scot. E18.
Awkward or difficult to pronounce, understand, or do. obsolete exc. Scot. E18.
Swift Hard, tough, crank, gutt'ral, harsh, stiff names.
Infirm, in poor health; weak, ailing. dial. E19.
Of machinery etc.: in a shaky condition, in poor order; working with difficulty. M19.
Carlyle The machinery of laughter took some time to get in motion, and seemed crank and slack.
crankous adjective (Scot.) irritable, fretful L18.