1. small cranes on a ship used for hoisting and lowering lifeboats or other equipment
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The crew lowered the lifeboat using the davits.
• The ship’s davits were inspected before departure.
• Emergency drills included practicing with the davits.
• The davits creaked as they lifted the heavy equipment.
• Modern ships have hydraulic davits for easier operation.
• The davits were painted white to prevent rust.