Dĕr'rick, n.

n. [Also derick; originally an abbreviation of Theodoric, Transylvanian Theodorich, Goth. Thiudareiks, A-S. Theodric, O. Sax. Dētrich, O. H. Ger. Diotrich, N. H. Ger. Dietrich; the name of a celebrated executioner at Tyburn in the seventeenth century; hence it became a general term for a hangman. Cf. Ger. dietrich, a pick-lock, originally equivalent to Derrick, Theodoric.] A mast or spar supported at the top by stays or guys, with suitable tackle for raising and adjusting heavy weights, as stones in building.

Derrick crane, a kind of crane, the boom or derrick of which can be raised or lowered to different angles with the upright.