Also 8–9 gib. [app. an abbreviation of gibbet: see GIBBET sb.1 3.] The projecting arm of a crane; also applied to the boom of a derrick.
1764. Ferguson, in Phil. Trans., LIV. 24. This crane … might be built in a room eight feet in width; the gib being placed on the outside of the room.
1804. Naval Chron., XII. 116. Mr. I. Bramah has invented a new jib.
1825. J. Nicholson, Operat. Mechanic, 284. The jib, or gibbet, as it is called, from a resemblance to that machine, is a triangular frame of wood, one side being perpendicular, and supported on pivots at the top and bottom, so that the whole moves round on these as a vertical axis of motion.
1851. Illustr. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 230. The projection or radius of the jib of these cranes is 32 feet.
1875. Knight, Dict. Mech., 688/1. The jib or movable spar of the derrick is hinged to and near the foot of the post, its top being held by a chain which passes over pulleys to a winch on the post, so that the inclination of the jib may be adjusted as required.
1895. Mod. Steam Engine, 56. The jib is adjustable at any angle, and the crane is made to hoist, lower and turn round in either direction by steam.
b. Comb., as jib-beam, -pole; jib-crane, a crane fitted with a jib; jib-frame, ‘the upright frame at the sides of a marine-engine, connecting the cylinder, condenser, and the framing’ (Knight, Dict. Mech., 1875)
1792. Trans. Soc. Arts, X. 222. Hung on a pulley, at the end of the gib-beam.
1873. Daily News, 17 Sept., 7/1. The stone was lifted up by a jib crane for the purpose of placing the mortar.
1898. Westm. Gaz., 4 July, 6/1. A powerful electric travelling jib crane running on a large elevated track controlling the entire length.
1898. Daily News, 17 May, 2/6. The jib poles did not go against the brick pier.
