davit









davit


noun

  1. any of various cranelike devices used singly or in pairs for supporting, raising, and lowering especially boats, anchors, and cargo over a hatchway or side of a ship.

noun

  1. a cranelike device, usually one of a pair, fitted with a tackle for suspending or lowering equipment, esp a lifeboat
n.

also david, “crane-like structure used to lower things off a ship, etc.,” late 15c., apparently a use of the masc. proper name David on the pattern of applying common Christian names to useful devices (cf. jack, jenny, jimmy).

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