Hoist, n.
 1. That by which anything is hoisted; the apparatus for lifting goods.
 2. The act of hoisting; a lift. [Colloq.]
 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.
 Hoist bridge, a drawbridge that is lifted instead of being swung or drawn aside.