deadman

American  

[ded-man, -muhn] / ˈdɛdˌmæn, -mən /

noun

plural

deadmen

1. Building Trades. a log, concrete block, etc., buried in the ground as an anchor.

2. a crutchlike prop temporarily supporting a pole or mast being erected.

3. Nautical.

   1. an object fixed on shore to hold a mooring line temporarily.

   2. a rope for hauling the boom of a derrick inboard after discharge of a load of cargo.

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adjective

1. Machinery, Automotive. Also dead-man's. of or relating to a control or switch on a powered machine or vehicle that disengages a blade or clutch, applies the brake, shuts off the engine, etc., when the driver or operator ceases to press a pedal, squeeze a throttle, etc..

   deadman throttle; dead-man's control.

deadman British  

/ ˈdɛdˌmæn /

noun

1. civil engineering a heavy plate, wall, or block buried in the ground that acts as an anchor for a retaining wall, sheet pile, etc, by a tie connecting the two

2. mountaineering a metal plate with a wire loop attached for thrusting into firm snow to serve as a belay point, a smaller version being known as a deadboy

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Etymology

Origin of deadman

dead + man

Example Sentences

All this rushed through Torak’s mind as he stared at the deadman.

From Literature

Det Con Nikki Deadman said: "This was a serious offence and despite the passage of time, we are determined to leave no stone unturned in our inquiries."

From BBC

But assistant manager Mike Deadman insists Bella - built by Chinese technology company Pudu - will not result in any job losses.

From BBC

Mr Deadman was inspired to bring the technology - also trialled by Bella Italia in 2022 - to Portland after seeing it used in cafes and restaurants in other parts of the world.

From BBC

After workers noticed debris on a hill above Deadman’s Run creek in Lincoln, they heard the driver calling for help at about 7:45 a.m. and then called emergency services to get the man out of the car.

From Washington Times