DAVIT

davit. Davit, n. a beam to hoist the flukes of anchors

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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.