[CRANE sb.1 2.]
† 1. The rope or chain of a crane, by which weights are hoisted or lowered. Obs.
1466. Mann. & Househ. Exp., 350. My mastyr paid to Felawe for a lede and a crane lyne. vj. d.
2. Naut. (See quot. 1867.)
1674. T. Miller, Modellist (1676), 4. Cran-lines, and main-stay.
1692. in Capt. Smith’s Seaman’s Gram., I. xiv. 65. 19 The Crain line. 20 The Horse on the Bowsprit.
1769. Falconer, Dict. Marine (1789), Pantaquieres … the cat-harpins, and crane lines of the shrowds.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Crane-lines, those which formerly went from the spritsail-topmast to the middle of the forestay, serving to steady the former. Also, small lines for keeping the lee backstays from chafing against the yards.
