deadman

[ded-man, -muh n] /ˈdɛdˌmæn, -mən/
noun, plural deadmen
[ded-men, -muh n] /ˈdɛdˌmɛn, -mən/ (Show IPA)
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.
adjective
4.
Also, dead-man's. Machinery, Automotive. 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.
Origin
dead + man1
British Dictionary definitions for dead man

deadman

/ˈdɛdˌmæn/
noun (pl) -men
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
Idioms and Phrases with dead man

dead man

see: dead soldier