davit

== English == === Etymology === The word davit is derived from Middle English and Old French daviot, which is a diminutive of David; thus it means "little David", maybe because those small cranes can handle a much bigger lifeboat. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈdeɪvɪt/, /ˈdævət/ Rhymes: -eɪvɪt === 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 ==== Translations ==== === References ===