cavalletto

noun3

1. •
   A long pole placed horizontally at a height of 4 to 20 inches from the ground, used in training horses.

   • The first introduction to a cavalletto comes at the end of a line of poles. — 1973
2. •
   A specialized gantry crane for loading and unloading cargo ships that attaches to and moves along guides on the ship's hatchway.

   • To increase the unloading rate it is possible to use various cavallettos placed over different holds, although the ship-to-ship transfer is the peculiarilty of the cavalletto. — 1983
3. •
   (historical) The punishment of being placed in a pillory and whipped.