capstan bar

American  

noun

1. a long lever for turning a capstan by hand.

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capstan bar British  

noun

1. a lever, often wooden, for turning a capstan

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Etymology

Origin of capstan bar

First recorded in 1620–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

capstan bar

“We’re hard at it, sir,” said Tom Jecks, who was handling his rifle as coolly as if it had been a capstan bar; “but I don’t think we’re hitting any of ’em.

From Blue Jackets The Log of the Teaser by W.B. Handforth

He was a little, shrewd man, and knew a handspike from a capstan bar.

From A Sailor of King George by A. Beckford Bevan

But if I saw a capstan bar lying about here, I would soon manage to shift that billiard table of yours a good many inches.

From Victory An Island Tale by Joseph Conrad

The scuffling of feet and the fall of the heavy capstan bar caused the second mate to turn quickly, and at the same moment the captain's door opened and he stepped out on the deck.

From A Voyage with Captain Dynamite by Charles Edward Rich

And thereupon Hardenberg swore a great oath and threw down the capstan bar he held in his hand.

From A Deal in Wheat and Other Stories of the New and Old West by Frank Norris

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