capstan bar

American  

noun

1. a long lever for turning a capstan by hand.

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capstan bar British  

noun

1. a lever, often wooden, for turning a capstan

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Etymology

Origin of capstan bar

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

But he helped himself to a capstan bar, and that is of great length and very heavy.

From Annie o' the Banks o' Dee by Stables, Gordon

Upon the capstan bar sat a sailor in oilskin clothes, who had probably been on shore the previous night and not closed his eyes, and who was making great efforts to keep awake.

From The Pilot and his Wife by Lie, Jonas Lauritz Idemil

He must live so far fr'm th' sea that he don't know a capstan bar fr'm a sheet anchor.

From Mr. Dooley: In the Hearts of His Countrymen by Dunne, Finley Peter

With a capstan bar, and many a hearty "Yo, heave ho!" they levered the plank out over the side till Adolphe's weight tilted it up, and he soused into the water.

From The Admirable Tinker Child of the World by Jepson, Edgar

Desperately I seized a capstan bar and knocked the wedges and battens off a hatch cover.

From Boy Scouts in the North Sea The Mystery of a Sub by Ralphson, G. Harvey (George Harvey)