The Collaborative International Dictionary
Davit \Dav"it\, n. [Cf. F. davier forceps, davit, cooper's instrument, G. david davit; all probably from the proper name David.] (Naut.)
A spar formerly used on board of ships, as a crane to hoist the flukes of the anchor to the top of the bow, without injuring the sides of the ship; -- called also the fish davit.
pl. Curved arms of timber or iron, projecting over a ship's side of stern, having tackle to raise or lower a boat, swing it in on deck, rig it out for lowering, etc.; -- called also boat davits.
--Totten.
Usage examples of "boat davits".
The shipboard Marine contingent divided into smaller details, some manning the vessel's machine guns fore and aft, others joining working parties who began clearing the wreckage from the spy ship's deck and cutting away the ruin of her boat davits and mast.
There was a swirl of flame and smoke amid splinters and blasted railings and boat davits.
A second blast tore through Shikishima's stern quarter, hurling fragments--boat davits, life rafts, stanchions, men--hundreds of meters through the air.
The boat davits were swung out as they always are in action, and now a crew was lowering the whaleboat.
Life boat davits had been jury-rigged to lower the barrels into the landing craft.
A pair of boat davits were swung out-board, and the boat plentifully victualled and its water-breakers filled.
The decks of the uncomfortable warship had hummed with men, a pair of boat davits had swung outboard, and the boat had been armed and manned with naval noise and quickness.