noun
Usage: often capitalized S
Etymology: after Samson, judge of Israel; probably from his pulling down the pillars of the palace of the Philistines, Judg 16:25-30
1.
a. : a post resting on the keelson and supporting a deck beam of a ship
b. : a post for use in securing a cable (as the anchor cable)
c. : king post 2
2. : an upright post that supports the walking beam in an oil derrick
3. : a heavy timber with a chain and hook used for moving logs