outrigger

Etymology

Modification of earlier outligger after rig (“to fit out”); equivalent to out- + ligger.

noun

1. (nautical) Any of various projecting beams or spars that provide support for a sailing ship's mast.
2. (nautical) A long thin timber, pontoon, or other float attached parallel to a canoe or boat by projecting struts as a means of preventing tipping or capsizing.
3. (rowing) An outrigger canoe or boat.
4. (nautical) An iron bracket or brace for an oarlock projecting from the side of a rowing boat.
5. An extension mechanism, often retractable when not in use, on a boat, vehicle, or structure which helps to stabilize it to keep it from tipping over.
   From the cowcatcher hung the outrigger of the tricycle, leaping about as though in the grip of death itself, beating against the iron that had shattered it, striking the road, sending the gravel flying. 1938, Xavier Herbert, chapter XII, in Capricornia, New York: D. Appleton-Century, published 1943, page 200
   These piles supported long lengths of hard timber (approximately 2-ft. square section) which provided a firm anchorage for the outriggers supporting the cranes. 1946 March and April, C. R. L. Coles, “Re-Railing the Locomotive at Bourne End”, in Railway Magazine, page 95
   The cranes are supplied with outriggers and jacks for use when lifting heavy loads or when working at extended radii. 1960 July, “Talking of Trains: New breakdown cranes”, in Trains Illustrated, page 392
6. (skiing) A type of ski pole, with skis attached at the bottom, instead of the spike/pick found on a normal pole. It is used in downhill skiing variants of para-skiing, especially those that use a sit-ski, such as the monoski.