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