A gin pole (derived from gyn, a three-legged lifting device) is a supported pole which uses a pulley or block and tackle on its upper end to lift loads. The lower end is braced or set in a shallow hole and positioned so the upper end lies above the object to be lifted. The pole (also known as a "mast", "boom", and "spar") is secured with three or more guys. These are manipulated to move the load laterally, with up and down controlled by the pulley or block.