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DictionarycapstanRotating pulling device
noun

capstan

KAP-stun/ˈkæpstən/

A rotating cylinder that pulls rope or other flexible material wound around it.

The rope wraps tightly around the capstan's upright drum on the ship.

A shipboard capstan shown prominently with several tight turns of rope around its upright drum, a taut incoming rope and a loose outgoing tail, making its rope-winding mechanism clear.
Etymology
capstanLatinhalter

The ancestral meaning “halter” connects the device with ropes used for holding and pulling. An intermediate meaning, “pulley cord,” bridges that sense and the rotating apparatus used to haul ropes and raise weights.

In context

Libranima146:43
Soon he was carefully swung inside the high bulwarks, and gently landed upon the capstan head.
Moby Dick - Illustrated Audiobook for Focused Reading (Part 3/3)

More examples

  • The cable winds tightly around the rotating capstan.
  • The machine's capstan pulls the tape at a steady speed.
  • Workers inspect the capstan before raising the load.

Forms

capstan · capstans

Similar words

winch
A broader pulling mechanism, often with a horizontal drum.
pulley
A grooved wheel that guides a rope rather than necessarily driving it.