/ded"man', -meuhn/ , n. , pl. deadmen /-men', -meuhn/ , adj.
n.
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. Naut.
a. an object fixed on shore to hold a mooring line temporarily.
b. a rope for hauling the boom of a derrick inboard after discharge of a load of cargo.
adj.
4. Also, dead-man's . Mach., Auto. of or pertaining 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.
[ DEAD + MAN 1 ]