cranes

1. Any bird of the family Gruidae, large birds with long legs and a long neck which is extended during flight.
2. Ardea herodias, the great blue heron.
3. A mechanical lifting machine or device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes.
4. An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace for supporting kettles etc. over the fire.
5. A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
6. A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc.; generally used in pairs.

1. To extend (one's neck).
2. To raise or lower with, or as if with, a crane.
3. To pull up before a jump.

noun

The cranium.