Lewis

The word “Lewis” means a metal clamp or pin fitted into a slot cut in a large stone block, used to lift it with a crane. In plain terms, mainly known today as a common first name and surname; also a specialist stonemasonry term for a lifting device.

“Lewis” is pronounced LOO-ihs (/ˈluːɪs/ in IPA).

Here is “Lewis” used in a sentence: “The masons inserted a lewis into the granite block before hoisting it into place.”

“Lewis” is a noun.

The word “Lewis” comes from Old French. As a surname and given name, from Old French Louis, ultimately from the Frankish name meaning roughly "famous warrior.".

“Lewis” is a fairly common word in modern English.

A lewis is a lifting device used in masonry and construction to hoist heavy stone blocks. It fits into a specially cut slot in the top of the stone and grips from the inside, letting a crane or hoist raise and place the block. Lewises have been used since Roman times and remain in traditional stonework.

A slot is cut into the top of the stone, wider at the bottom than at the opening. Metal pieces are slotted in so that, as the lifting chain pulls upward, they are wedged tightly against the sloping sides. The harder the crane lifts, the firmer the grip, allowing the block to be raised safely.

Common forms include the three-legged or split-pin lewis, made of three metal pieces that spread inside a dovetail slot, and the pin lewis, which uses pins through holes in the stone. There is also the chain lewis and the lewis bolt used for fixing. All grip harder as the load increases.

The origin of the name is uncertain. Some link it to the Latin 'levare', meaning to raise or lift, while others suggest it derives from a personal name. The device is very old, known to the Romans, and the term lewis — sometimes lewisson — has been used by stonemasons for centuries.