noun
- a lifting device consisting of two or more poles joined at the top and spread apart at the base, used for hoisting heavy objects
Usage: nautical; construction
Examples
- The crew used sheerlegs to lift the heavy engine onto the ship.
- Construction workers set up sheerlegs to hoist steel beams into place.
- The old harbor still had wooden sheerlegs for loading cargo.
- They positioned the sheerlegs carefully before attempting the lift.
- The sheerlegs could handle loads up to five tons safely.