samson post

American  

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a strong bitt or post at the bow or stern of a vessel.

2. a king post for supporting cargo-handling booms on the deck of a ship.

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Etymology

Origin of samson post

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps named in allusion to the pillars that Samson dislodged

Example Sentences

Ben made the line fast to a Samson post and crawled aft along the cabin roof; pausing several times when an extra hard blast of wind made it dangerous to proceed.

From Project Gutenberg