DAVIT
davit
(noun) a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
davit (plural davits)
(nautical) A spar formerly used on board of ships, as a crane to hoist the flukes of the anchor to the top of the bow, without injuring the sides of the ship.
(nautical, construction) A crane, often working in pairs and usually made of steel, used to lower things over an edge of a long drop off, such as lowering a maintenance trapeze down a building or launching a lifeboat over the side of a ship.
Synonyms
• (spar used to hoist the flukes of the anchor): fish davit
Source: Wiktionary
Dav"it, n. Etym: [Cf. F. davier forceps, davit, cooper's instrument,
G. david davit; all probably from the proper name David.] (Naut.)
(a) A spar formerly used on board of ships, as a crane to hoist the
flukes of the anchor to the top of the bow, without injuring the
sides of the ship; -- called also the fish davit. (b) pl.
Definition: Curved arms of timber or iron, projecting over a ship's side of
stern, having tackle to raise or lower a boat, swing it in on deck,
rig it out for lowering, etc.; -- called also boat davits. Totten.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition