Capstan CAPSTAN, n. A strong massy column of timber, formed like a truncated cone, and having its upper extremity pierced to receive bars or levers, for winding a rope round it, to raise great weights, or perform other extraordinary work, that requires a great power. It may be let down through the decks of a ship, and so fixed that the work is performed by a horizontal motion.

capstan n 1: a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails

capstan noun Etymology: Middle English, probably from Middle French cabestant Date: 14th century 1. a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned 2. a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder

capstan
n.
1 a thick revolving cylinder with a vertical axis, for winding an anchor cable or a halyard etc.
2 a revolving spindle on a tape recorder, that guides the tape past the head.
Phrases and idioms:
capstan lathe a lathe with a revolving tool-holder.
Etymology: Prov. cabestan, ult. f. L capistrum halter f. capere seize

capstan (capstans) A capstan is a machine consisting of a drum that turns round and pulls in a heavy rope or something attached to a rope, for example an anchor. N-COUNT

capstan ˈkæpstən n. 1 a thick revolving cylinder with a vertical axis, for winding an anchor cable or a halyard etc. 2 a revolving spindle on a tape recorder, that guides the tape past the head. øcapstan lathe a lathe with a revolving tool-holder. [Prov. cabestan, ult. f. L capistrum halter f. capere seize]

Capstan \Cap"stan\, n. [F. cabestan, fr. Sp. cabestrante, cabrestante, fr. cabestrar to bind with a halter, fr. cabestrohalter, fr. L. capistrum halter, fr. capere to hold (see Capacious); or perh. the Spanish is fr. L. caper goat + stans, p. pr. of stare to stand; cf. F. ch[`e]vre she-goat, also a machine for raising heavy weights.] A vertical cleated drum or cylinder, revolving on an upright spindle, and surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for bars or levers. It is much used, especially on shipboard, for moving or raising heavy weights or exerting great power by traction upon a rope or cable, passing around the drum. It is operated either by steam power or by a number of men walking around the capstan, each pushing on the end of a lever fixed in its socket. [Sometimes spelt Capstern, but improperly.] Capstan bar, one of the long bars or levers by which the capstan is worked; a handspike.. To pawl the capstan, to drop the pawls so that they will catch in the notches of the pawl ring, and prevent the capstan from turning back. To rig the capstan, to prepare the for use, by putting the bars in the sockets. To surge the capstan, to slack the tension of the rope or cable wound around it.

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