Hoist \Hoist\, n. 1. That by which anything is hoisted; the apparatus for lifting goods. 2. The act of hoisting; a lift. [Collog.] 3. (Naut.) (a) The perpendicular height of a flag, as opposed to the fly, or horizontal length when flying from a staff. (b) The height of a fore-and-aft sail next the mast or stay. --Totten. {Hoist bridge}, a drawbridge that is lifted instead of being swung or drawn aside.