1. a safety lamp used by miners, with a wire gauze surrounding the flame to prevent ignition of explosive gases
Usage: also called Davy lamp; named after Sir Humphry Davy; historical/technical
2. in nautical slang, a small locker or compartment on a ship
Usage: nautical; informal; chiefly British

Examples

• The miner carried a davy into the coal pit to safely light his way.
• Early davys were crucial inventions that saved countless miners' lives.
• The davy lamp's wire gauze design prevented methane explosions underground.
• Before the davy was invented, mining accidents from open flames were common.