Meaning of Capstan | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers for turning it; used to apply force to cables, ropes, etc.
   especially
2. A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.

Equivalents

Examples

“to pawl the capstan”

to prevent the capstan from turning back

“to rig the capstan”

to prepare the capstan for use

“to surge the capstan”

to slack the tension of the rope or cable

“"Man the capstan! Blood and thunder!—jump!"—was the next command, and the crew sprang for the handspikes.”

“We toiled over the capstan, and late in the afternoon slipped out of the harbour.”

“Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame. With more settled people, animals were harnessed to capstans or caged in treadmills to turn grist into meal.”

CEFR level