davit

dav·it  (dvt, dvt)

n.

Any of various types of small cranes that project over the side of a ship and are used to hoist boats, anchors, and cargo.

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[Middle English daviot, from Norman French daviot, diminutive of Davi, David.]

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davit [dav-vit]

Noun

a crane, usually one of a pair, on the side of a ship for lowering or hoisting a lifeboat [Anglo-French daviot, from Davi David]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

davit - a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat) crane - lifts and moves heavy objects; lifting tackle is suspended from a pivoted boom that rotates around a vertical axis ship - a vessel that carries passengers or freight

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A small crane on a vessel that is used to raise and lower small boats, such as lifeboats, an LCM-8 on landing ship, tanks, side loadable warping tugs, or causeway sections.