<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>to raise or lift, especially by some mechanical appliance: to hoist a flag; to hoist the mainsail.</li><li>to raise to one's lips and drink; drink (especially beer or whiskey) with gusto: Let's go hoist a few beers.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an apparatus for hoisting, as a block and tackle, a derrick, or a crane.</li><li>act of hoisting; a lift: Give that sofa a hoist at your end.</li><li>the vertical dimension amidships of any square sail that is hoisted with a yard.</li><li>the distance between the hoisted and the lowered position of such a yard.</li><li>a number of flags raised together as a signal.</li><li>(on a flag) the vertical dimension as flown from a vertical staff.</li></ul>