Dead-eye \Dead"-eye`\ (d[e^]d"[imac]`), 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.
[1913 Webster]