I. ˈhȯist, chiefly dial ˈhīst verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: alteration of hoise
transitive verb
: raise , lift , elevate : as
a. : to raise into position by means of tackle
hoist all sails
hoisted the mate's boat aboard
b. : to raise (a flag or a hoist of flags) often as a formal indication of possession or sovereignty
c. : to move from one place to another by or as if by lifting
groaned as they hoisted him into the ambulance
hoisting himself out of bed
d. slang : to pick up and drink
decided to hoist a few with the boys
e. : to cause to be or become higher or greater
the war hoisted prices
f. slang : steal
intransitive verb
1. : to become hoisted : rise
the load hoists well with the new tackle
let it hoist right up to the upper block
2. : to pull on a rope in hoisting something
hoist until it's near the top
— often used with away
Synonyms: see lift
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an act of hoisting : lift , boost
gave him a hoist over the wall
2. : an apparatus (as a mechanical tackle or hydraulic lift) by which things are hoisted: as
a. chiefly Britain : a freight or other service elevator
b. : chain hoist
3.
a. : the extent to which something can be hoisted or its mass or dimension when hoisted
a sail with a 30-foot hoist
a hoist of several tons
b.
(1) : the perpendicular edge or height of a flag when viewed flying or as if flying from a staff — compare fly II 6c
(2) : the part of the field of a flag that adjoins the staff
c. : the height or depth of a square sail except a course : the length of a fore-and-aft sail or staysail as measured along the luff
4.
a. : a string of flags hoisted or to be hoisted as a signal usually from one ship to another
b. : a message or information conveyed by such a hoist