Capstan (Noun)
Meaning
A windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The crew turned the capstan until the anchor was lifted high enough to be stowed aboard.
- To raise the mainsail, the sailors used the capstan to haul in the ropes.
- A team of six men strained against the bars of the capstan to lift the massive weight of the anchor.
- The first mate gave the order to engage the capstan and begin raising the heavy anchors.
- Crews often used a capstan to help lift heavy loads, such as raising the bowsprit or lifting massive gun carriages on historic sailing warships.