deadman
UK[ˈdɛdmən]US[ˈdɛdˌmæn]
n
A heavy object, such as a log, block of concrete, or anchor, buried or secured to provide stability or a point of attachment, especially for a rope or cable.
n
A person who is dead; a corpse.
Morpheme Breakdown
dead
man
dead
lifeless, having ceased to live.
man
a person, human being.
Etymology
The compound "deadman" is a straightforward combination of two native English elements. The literal meaning, "a dead person," is the original and transparent sense, directly combining "dead" and "man." Its specialized technical meaning in engineering and nautical contexts represents a metaphorical extension. A "deadman" anchor or fixture is so named because, like a buried corpse, it is inert, stationary, and provides a firm, unmoving point of leverage or attachment, transferring the concept of inert finality from biology to mechanics.
Analysis
Structure: dead + man
dead: From Old English dēad, meaning "lifeless, having ceased to live." It is an adjective used attributively here.
man: From Old English mann, meaning "a person, human being." It is a noun-forming element.
Examples
The crew secured the tent lines to a deadman buried in the snow.
In construction, a deadman is often used as a temporary anchor for retaining walls.
The old nautical term referred to a deadman as a type of anchor used for small boats.