[dav-it, dey-vit] 
| any of various cranelike devices used singly or in pairs for supporting, raising, and lowering esp. boats, anchors, and cargo over a hatchway or side of a ship. |
| dav·it (dāv'ĭt, dā'vĭt) n. Any of various types of small cranes that project over the side of a ship and are used to hoist boats, anchors, and cargo. [Middle English daviot, from Norman French daviot, diminutive of Davi, David.] |