shearpole

noun3

1. •
   A horizontal crosspiece.

   • The best example of these devices that I know of in Aberdeen is at the shearpoles, where the worm and wheel are used for the hoisting motion, the screw and nut for the derricking. — 1893
2. •
   A horizontal beam that goes along the edge of the shroud to which the rigging is attached.

   • On the greasy deck of a whaling vessel, piled as high as the main shearpole with immense slabs of blubber sizzling in the heat of a tropic sun, the task is peculiarly disagreeable. — 1892
3. •
   A horizontal support that pivots on an upright, allowing a bridge to swing to the side, thereby permitting boats to pass.

   • The shearpole bridge has opened to let the tugboat Relief pass. — 1994