davit

[ dav-it, dey-vit ]

/ ˈdæv ɪt, ˈdeɪ vɪt /

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noun

any of various cranelike devices used singly or in pairs for supporting, raising, and lowering especially boats, anchors, and cargo over a hatchway or side of a ship.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of davit

1325–75; Middle English daviot<Anglo-French, apparently diminutive of Davi David

Words nearby davit

Davis Cup, Davis, Jefferson, Davisson, Davisson-Germer experiment, Davis Strait, davit, Davos, Davout, Davy, Davy Jones, Davy Jones's locker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use davit in a sentence

Its lower end was arranged so as to be raised and lowered from a davit immediately above.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
So, so, an' did Davit Lunan mak oot 'at there was humour in that?
A Window in Thrums|J. M. Barrie
This was proved by Davit Lunan, tinsmith, whom I have heard tell the story.
Auld Licht Idylls|J. M. Barrie
In spite of the efforts of the captain and his helpers the sailors succeeded in slashing away the davit tackle.
Blow The Man Down|Holman Day

The davit swung inward slowly, and he managed to slide his legs up over the rail and gain the deck.
Blow The Man Down|Holman Day

British Dictionary definitions for davit

davit

/ (ˈdævɪt, ˈdeɪ-) /

noun

a cranelike device, usually one of a pair, fitted with a tackle for suspending or lowering equipment, esp a lifeboat

Word Origin for davit

C14: from Anglo-French daviot, diminutive of Davi David

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012