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davit (n.)

also david, "crane-like structure on the side or stern of a vessel for suspending or lowering a boat," late 14c., daviot, apparently a use of the masc. proper name David on the pattern of applying common Christian names to useful devices (compare jack, jenny, jimmy).

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Definitions of davit from WordNet

davit (n.)
a crane-like device (usually one of a pair) for suspending or lowering equipment (as a lifeboat);
From wordnet.princeton.edu