- n. Plural form of davit. “One service is distinguished by its
"davits," the other by its "affidavits;" and they are mutually
and equally admired for, and known by, their craft.” “Besides
the "davits," the following supports are provided Two small
cranes are swung under the keel, on which the latter rests,
preventing the settling of the boat's middle, while hanging
suspended by the bow and stern.” “At sea, the boats of a South
Sea-man (generally four in number, spare ones omitted,) are
suspended by tackles, hooked above, to curved timbers called
"davits," vertically fixed to the ship's sides.” “There was that
matter of the deck-calking, the bronze rudder-irons, the
overhauling of the engine, the new spinnaker boom, the new
davits, and the repairs to the whale-boat.” “The port lifeboat
was missing, its iron davits, twisted and wrenched, testifying
to the mightiness of the blow that had been struck the old”
“Leaping from the davits of the boat-deck above, they plunged
downward, their faces and shoulders bowed