derrick
UK[ˈderɪk]US[ˈderɪk]
n
a tall framework over an oil well or similar borehole, used to support drilling equipment and lift pipes.
n
a type of crane with a movable pivoted arm, used especially for loading and unloading ships.
Etymology
the word 'derrick' originates from the surname of a 17th-century english executioner, godfrey derrick (or derick). he was a hangman at tyburn, london, and the gallows, with its framework of beams, became known as a "derrick." this macabre association transferred the name to any similar framework structure. by the early 18th century, the term was applied to a type of crane used on ships, likely due to its resemblance to a gallows. finally, in the 20th century, it was adopted for the tall framework used in oil drilling, completing its journey from a personal name to a specific technical term.
Analysis
the word is a proper noun that became a common noun. it does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the silhouette of the oil derrick stood against the twilight sky.
the ship was equipped with a large derrick for handling cargo.
they used a derrick to lift the heavy engine from the truck.