Dav′it.
(Nautical.) a. A beam projecting from a ship's bow, for the attachment of the tackle whereby the anchor-fluke is lifted without dragging against the side of the vessel. The operation is termed fishing the anchor. b. One of a pair of cranes on the gunwale of a ship, from which are suspended the quarter or other boats. The boat-tackles are attached to rings in the bow and stern of the boat respectively, and the fall is belayed on deck. When the boat is lowered the hooks of the fall-blocks are cast off simultaneously, or great danger results, when the ship is under way. See boat-lowering apparatus, p. 314.
Davit-fall hook. |