deadman

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A corpse
2. 2
   A long object, often a timber or log, buried to serve as an anchor for a wall or for stays.
3. 3
   A cutout device that operates in the event that an operator releases the control handles, leaves the operator's seat, or otherwise seems to be no longer present and alert.

Proper noun

1. 1
   A surname.