Der"rick , n. (Mining) The pyramidal structure or tower over
a deep drill hole, such as that
of an oil well.
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.
Hear it pronounced