-ˌman, -aa(ə)n noun
( plural deadmen )
Etymology: Middle English deedman, from deed dead + man
1. : corpse — now used as one word in place names only
Deadman's Bay
2. : a buried log serving as an anchor (as for a guy rope) : anchor log ; also : a stout timber or log used as an anchorage (as for a boom)
3. : a support that resembles a crutch and is used to hold a pole temporarily while it is being erected or lowered and so permit the workmen to take a fresh grip on the pole
4. : a fallen tree on the shore
5. deadmen plural , obsolete : reef or gasket ends carelessly left dangling under the yard when the sail is furled
6. or deadman control : a device (as a brake) for controlling a vehicle or machine in case the operator becomes incapacitated