Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Plural form of davit.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • One service is distinguished by its "davits," the other by its "affidavits;" and they are mutually and equally admired for, and known by, their craft.

    Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, October 2, 1841 Various

  • Besides the "davits," the following supports are provided Two small cranes are swung under the keel, on which the latter rests, preventing the settling of the boat's middle, while hanging suspended by the bow and stern.

    Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I (of 2) Herman Melville 1855

  • At sea, the boats of a South Sea-man (generally four in number, spare ones omitted,) are suspended by tackles, hooked above, to curved timbers called "davits," vertically fixed to the ship's sides.

    Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I (of 2) Herman Melville 1855

  • That they did not succeed was due to the lack of a little oil on the ship's davits.

    THE SIEGE OF THE 'LANCASHIRE QUEEN' 2010

  • The sailors hoisted the boat up, and swung it in on the davits.

    The Lost Poacher 2010

  • There was that matter of the deck-calking, the bronze rudder-irons, the overhauling of the engine, the new spinnaker boom, the new davits, and the repairs to the whale-boat.

    Bunches of Knuckles 2010

  • The port lifeboat was missing, its iron davits, twisted and wrenched, testifying to the mightiness of the blow that had been struck the old

    THE SEA FARMER 2010

  • For we were drawn back from the pursuit of the strange boat by the creaking of the davits, and arrived at the Lancashire Queen just as the Italians were lowering their skiff.

    THE SIEGE OF THE 'LANCASHIRE QUEEN' 2010

  • Leaping from the davits of the boat-deck above, they plunged downward, their faces and shoulders bowed forward, looking at the water.

    Under the Deck Awnings 2010

  • They could hear the creaking of the davits and the commands of the officers.

    The Lost Poacher 2010

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