capstan

[ kap-stuhn, -stan ]

noun

1. any of various windlasses, rotated in a horizontal plane by hand or machinery, for winding in ropes, cables, etc.
2. a rotating spindle or shaft, powered by an electric motor, that transports magnetic tape past the heads of a tape recorder at a constant speed.

capstan

/ ˈkæpstən /

noun

1. a machine with a drum that rotates round a vertical spindle and is turned by a motor or lever, used for hauling in heavy ropes, etc
2. any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head

Word History and Origins

Origin of capstan¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French cabestan ( t ) < Old Provençal cabestan, variant of cabestran, presumably present participle of *cabest ( r ) ar, a verbal derivative of cabestre halter < Latin capistrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of capstan¹

C14: from Old Provençal cabestan, from Latin capistrum a halter, from capere to seize

Example Sentences

“Because,” Collins growled, “he sailed on privateers before he was knee high to a capstan. He knows guns. If we have trouble with the French he’ll be worth the rest of the crew put together.”

From Literature

“The sound of men stamping overhead as they run about. There is the creaking of a chain, and the loud tinkle as the check of the capstan falls into the rachet.”

From Literature

Here at the Antigua Naval Dockyard, historic anchors, cannons and capstans are on bountiful display, testimony to the pivotal role it played as a safe harbour for Royal Navy warships protecting Britain's valuable sugar-producing islands.

From BBC

The songs were a shared language that strengthened the crew's ties, while also establishing a rhythm to repetitive tasks like hauling, which could entail hoisting sails, and heaving, which might mean walking the capstan.

From Salon

Such is the ship’s condition that some of her rigging is still in place, while her wooden capstan and bilge pump are also visible.

From Fox News