Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Dead-eye
Dead′-eye′ (dĕd′ī′), n. (Naut.) A round, flattish, wooden block, encircled by a rope, or an iron band, and pierced with three holes to receive the lanyard; — used to extend the shrouds and stays, and for other purposes. Called also deadman's eye. Totten.