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

But assistant manager Mike Deadman insists Bella - built by Chinese technology company Pudu - will not result in any job losses.

From BBC

Mr Deadman was inspired to bring the technology - also trialled by Bella Italia in 2022 - to Portland after seeing it used in cafes and restaurants in other parts of the world.

From BBC

After workers noticed debris on a hill above Deadman’s Run creek in Lincoln, they heard the driver calling for help at about 7:45 a.m. and then called emergency services to get the man out of the car.

From Washington Times

The stretch of the river between Cashmere and Wenatchee is abundant with rapids earning names like Snow Blind and Deadman’s Drop.

From Seattle Times