dead man

< /ˈdɛdˌmɛn, -mən/.

1. Building Trades. a log, concrete block, etc., buried in the ground as an anchor.
2. a crutchlike prop temporarily supporting a pole or mast being erected.
3. Nautical.
   1. an object fixed on shore to hold a mooring line temporarily.
   2. a rope for hauling the boom of a derrick inboard after discharge of a load of cargo.

adjective

4. Also dead-man’s. Machinery, Automotive. of or relating to a control or switch on a powered machine or vehicle that disengages a blade or clutch, applies the brake, shuts off the engine, etc., when the driver or operator ceases to press a pedal, squeeze a throttle, etc.: deadman throttle; dead-man’s control.

noun plural -men

1. civil engineering a heavy plate, wall, or block buried in the ground that acts as an anchor for a retaining wall, sheet pile, etc, by a tie connecting the two
2. mountaineering a metal plate with a wire loop attached for thrusting into firm snow to serve as a belay point, a smaller version being known as a deadboy