lifeboat

[ lahyf-boht ]

/ ˈlaɪfˌboʊt /

a double-ended ship's boat, constructed, mounted, and provisioned so as to be readily able to rescue and maintain persons from a sinking vessel.

a similarly constructed boat used by shore-based rescue services.

Origin of lifeboat

First recorded in 1795–1805; life + boat

The two men left in the life-boat were unable to keep her off the iron sides of the big ship.

Submarine Warfare of To-day |Charles W. Domville-Fife
They landed in a tumultuous sea, which only a life-boat could survive.

North-Pole Voyages |Zachariah Atwell Mudge
It was an awful thing to stand helplessly by, and see those brave men battle, but no life-boat or tug could live out there.

Rose of Dutcher's Coolly |Hamlin Garland
Early in the morning some men had been sent to the lighthouse for the life-boat which is kept there.

At Home And Abroad |Margaret Fuller Ossoli

No time is lost; at once the steamer heads for the life-boat, and makes ready to tow her into position.

Storm Warriors |John Gilmore

lifeboat

/ (ˈlaɪfˌbəʊt) /

a boat, propelled by oars or a motor, used for rescuing people at sea, escaping from a sinking ship, etc

informal a fund set up by the dealers in a market to rescue any member who may become insolvent as a result of a collapse in market prices