life car

noun

1. a watertight container used in marine rescue operations, suspended from a hawser and hauled back and forth between a stranded or wrecked vessel and the shore.

Word History and Origins

Origin of life car¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

There were three more brought ashore by the buoy, and then the keeper ordered the life–car forward.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the arrivals by the life-car was the skipper of the “White Shield,” and there was also a man wrapped in a cloak.

From Project Gutenberg

That life-car, sir, was invented by Captain Douglass Ottinger, and this is the first one ever used.

From Project Gutenberg

We will put on the life–car soon as we get some of the crew ashore.

From Project Gutenberg

During the interim of waiting, the life–car was also brought from the station.

From Project Gutenberg