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

Example Sentences

A trimmed sapling served as a capstan bar, against which the two women threw their weight, while Jacques fitted the bone ends neatly together and applied the splints.

From The Promise A Tale of the Great Northwest by Hendryx, James B. (James Beardsley)

“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 Handforth, W.B.

About midnight the admiral again signalled, by rocket and flares, “Haul up,” and immediately, with capstan, bar, and steam, the obedient crews began to coil in their tails.

From The Lively Poll A Tale of the North Sea by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Lookye here, sir, I’m going to have a talk to old Taters, and I shall give him a capstan bar to use, instead of the cutlash.

From The Black Bar by M.L.P.

Taking a "gun-tackle purchase," or "tackle and fall," as it is called on shore, he attached one hook to the extreme end of the capstan bar, and the other to the rail.

From Work and Win or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise by Optic, Oliver