Hoist, n. 1. That by which anything is hoisted; the apparatus for lifting goods.
2. The act of hoisting; a lift.
3. (Naut.) (a) The perpendicular height of a flag, as opposed to the fly, or horizontal length when flying from a staff. (b) The height of a fore-and-aft sail next the mast or stay. Totten.
Hoist bridge, a drawbridge that is lifted instead of being swung or drawn aside.