Der"rick (?), 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.]
A mast, spar, or tall frame, supported at the top by stays or guys, with suitable tackle for hoisting heavy weights, as stones in building.
Derrick crane, a combination of the derrick and the crane, having facility for hoisting and also for swinging the load horizontally.
© Webster 1913
Der"rick, n. (Mining)
The pyramidal structure or tower over a deep drill hole, such as that of an oil well.
© Webster 1913