capstan

American  

[kap-stuhn, -stan] / ˈkæp stən, -stæn /

noun

1. any of various windlasses, rotated in a horizontal plane by hand or machinery, for winding in ropes, cables, etc.

2. a rotating spindle or shaft, powered by an electric motor, that transports magnetic tape past the heads of a tape recorder at a constant speed.

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capstan British  

/ ˈkæpstən /

noun

1. a machine with a drum that rotates round a vertical spindle and is turned by a motor or lever, used for hauling in heavy ropes, etc

2. any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head

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Etymology

Origin of capstan

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French cabestan ( t ) < Old Provençal cabestan, variant of cabestran, presumably present participle of *cabest ( r ) ar, a verbal derivative of cabestre halter < Latin capistrum

Example Sentences

Despite working with several companies � KEE Technologies, Trimble and Capstan � to develop the sprayer this past summer, Mitchell does not stand to make any money from his innovations.

From Time Magazine Archive

Tell ’em to turn out sharp or I’ll stop their grog,” cried Mr Capstan.

From Teddy The Story of a Little Pickle by Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

Mabel and Major Capstan were waiting near the door.

From If Winter Don't A B C D E F Notsomuchinson by Pain, Barry

What do you mean by it, eh?” began Mr Capstan as if lashing himself into a passion, but had not quite got enough steam up yet.

From Teddy The Story of a Little Pickle by Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

Capstan shanties were also used for pumping ship.

From The Shanty Book, Part I, Sailor Shanties by Terry, Richard Runciman