noun
- Plural of lewis: a device consisting of three iron pieces that fit into a dovetail mortise in a stone block, used to lift and move heavy stones in construction.
- Plural of Lewis: a surname; used as a proper noun referring to multiple people with that family name.
Usage: technical; construction/masonry
Usage: proper noun
Examples
- The masons used lewises to position the massive granite blocks into place.
- Several lewises were required to safely lift the cornerstone of the cathedral.
- The construction crew kept multiple lewises on hand for the stone-laying project.
- Ancient builders relied on lewises to transport and install large stone blocks.
- The foreman inspected the lewises before beginning work on the foundation.