Dauphin

daw'fin, n. The eldest son of the king of France, and heir of the crown. [Fr. Dauphine", a French province, the lords of which had as their crest a dolphin, OF. dauphin, daulphin, L. delphin us.] — Dau'phine , n. Wife of the dauphin. Davenport, dav'en-port, A writing-table. Davit, dav'it or da'vit, n. {Xaut.) A spar used on ships, as a crane to hoist the anchor to the top of the bow. pi. Arms projecting over a ship's side or stern, having tackle to raise a boat by. [Prob. corrupt, F. darier, forceps.] Davy-lamp, da'vY-lamp, A lantern whose light is inclosed within wire gauze, as a protection against — explosions of gases in mines, t>™+„ invented by Sir Humphrey Davy. Davits.