Definition of capstan Capstan
/kæˈpstʌn/ - [katpstun] - cap•stan
We found 14 definitions of capstan from 8 different sources.
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What does capstan mean?
WordNet
NounPlural: capstans |
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| capstan - a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails |
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Wiktionary 
- capstan (Noun)
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. - capstan (Noun)
A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.
Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘
- capstan (n.)
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.
OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω
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capstan
A mechanical or manual system of rotation in a horizontal plane, for winding a rope, cable, etc. and used to produce a strong pull.
Chambers DictionaryChamber's 20th Century Dictionary 📕
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capstan
kap′stan, n. an upright machine turned by spokes so as to wind upon it a cable which draws something, generally the anchor, on board ship. [Fr. cabestan, capestan, through Low L. forms from L. capĕre, to take, hold.]
Sailor's Word-BookThe Sailor's Word-Book ⛵
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capstan
In one sense is to lift the pauls and walk back, or turn the capstan the contrary way, thereby slackening, or letting out some of the rope on which they have been heaving. The sudden order would be obeyed by surging, or letting go any rope on which they were heaving. Synonymous to "Come up the purchase." -
capstan
To urge it round, by pushing against the bars, as already described. -
capstan
To place the sailors at it in readiness to heave. -
capstan
To drop all the pauls into their sockets, to prevent the capstan from recoiling during any pause of heaving. -
capstan
To fix the bars in their respective holes, thrust in the pins to confine them, and reeve the swifter through the ends. -
capstan
Is the order to slacken the rope which is wound round the barrel while heaving, to prevent it from riding or fouling. This term specially applies to surging the messenger when it rides, or when the two lashing eyes foul on the whelps or the barrel.
Military DictionaryMilitary Dictionary and Gazetteer 💥
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capstan
A strong, massy column of timber, formed somewhat like a truncated cone, and having its upper extremity pierced to receive bars, or levers, for winding a rope round it, to move great weights, or to exert great power; used in moving heavy guns considerable distances; called also a crab.
Part of speech
🔤- capstan, noun, singular of capstans.
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