E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Der’rick.
A hangman; a temporary crane to remove goods from the hold of a vessel. So called from Derrick, the Tyburn hangman early in the seventeenth century, who for more than a hundred years gave his name to gibbets. (See HANGMAN.)
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“He rides circuit with the devil, and Derrick must be his host, and Tyborne the inn at which he will light.”—Bellman of London, 1616.
