derrick
noun /ˈderɪk/
/ˈderɪk/
- a tall machine used for moving or lifting heavy weights, especially on a ship; a type of craneTopics Transport by waterc2
- a tall structure over an oil well for holding the drill (= the machine that makes the hole in the ground for getting the oil out)Topics The environmentc2
Word Originearly 17th cent. (denoting a hangman, also the gallows): from Derrick, the surname of a London hangman.