cradle [`krād·ǝl] CIVIL ENGINEERING A structure that moves along an inclined track on a riverbank and is equipped with a horizontal deck carrying tracks for transferring railroad cars to and from boats at different water elevations. ENGINEERING A framework or other resting place for supporting or restraining objects. ORDNANCE The nonrecoiling structure of a weapon that houses the recoiling parts and rotates to elevate the gun. TEXTILES A device that catches the cards as they fall from a jacquard head. |