| Derrick | n. [ Orig., a gallows, from a hangman named Derrick. The name is of Dutch origin; D. Diederik, Dierryk, prop. meaning, chief of the people; cf. AS. peódric, E. Theodoric, G. Dietrich. See Dutch, and Rich. ] 1. A mast, spar, or tall frame, supported at the top by stays or guys, and usually pivoted at the base, with suitable tackle for hoisting heavy weights, such as stones in building. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Mining) The pyramidal structure or tower over a deep drill hole, such as that of an oil well (also called an oil derrick . [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]
Derrick crane, a combination of the derrick and the crane, having facility for hoisting and also for swinging the load horizontally. [ 1913 Webster ]
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