Davit

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Davit \Dav"it\, n. [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. 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.
         [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  davit
       n : a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending
           or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat)