samson post

noun

often capitalized S

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 sense 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

Word History

Etymology

after Samson, judge of Israel; probably from his pulling down the pillars of the palace of the Philistines, Judges 16:25–30

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