Capstan

/kˈæpstən/

/ˈkæpstən/

Capstan

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

a rotating spindle used to apply tension, often used in musical instruments and other mechanical devices

Examples

1. Its capstan, or winch, still hauls a few tough little boats up the cobbled landing.

2. Beste also theorized that a mysterious series of semicircular cuts in the walls were there to allow for the placement of devices called capstans.

3. Rick: I find this so evocative with the capstan and these old fishing boats.

4. Rick: I find this so evocative with the capstan and these old fishing boats.