deadman

American  

[ded-man, -muhn] / ˈdɛdˌmæn, -mən /

noun

PLURAL

deadmen

1. Building Trades. a log, concrete block, etc., buried in the ground as an anchor.

2. a crutchlike prop temporarily supporting a pole or mast being erected.

3. Nautical.

   1. an object fixed on shore to hold a mooring line temporarily.

   2. a rope for hauling the boom of a derrick inboard after discharge of a load of cargo.

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adjective

1. Machinery, Automotive. Also dead-man's. of or relating to a control or switch on a powered machine or vehicle that disengages a blade or clutch, applies the brake, shuts off the engine, etc., when the driver or operator ceases to press a pedal, squeeze a throttle, etc..

   deadman throttle; dead-man's control.

deadman British  

/ ˈdɛdˌmæn /

noun

1. civil engineering a heavy plate, wall, or block buried in the ground that acts as an anchor for a retaining wall, sheet pile, etc, by a tie connecting the two

2. mountaineering a metal plate with a wire loop attached for thrusting into firm snow to serve as a belay point, a smaller version being known as a deadboy

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Etymology

Origin of deadman

dead + man

Example Sentences

Det Con Nikki Deadman said: "This was a serious offence and despite the passage of time, we are determined to leave no stone unturned in our inquiries."

From BBC

Boaters putting in at Jackson Lake Dam will need to float all the way to Deadman’s Bar, a stretch that includes faster water.

From Washington Times

The closure might also cause more boaters to float the Deadman’s Bar-to-Moose section with the dangerous logjam.

From Washington Times

Boaters floating from Deadman’s Bar to Moose should be skilled and prepared, park officials said in a recent release.

From Washington Times

One recipient, Katharine Deadman, found a wrapped Christmas pudding on a bench while walking with her dad and baby.

From BBC