capstan

Meaning

1. (especially) A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers for turning it; used to apply force to cables, ropes, etc.
2. A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.

Synonyms

windlass

pulley

gin

jack

purchase

🛍️

reel

turret

vise

whim

winch

winding gear

wind lass

action wheel

revolving head

cable stock

capstan hoist

crab

🦀

anchor windlass drive

drive pulley

drive wheel

Translations

cabestan

cabestano

cabrestante

Spill

argano

cabrestant

kaapstander

cabrestante

Capstan

verricello

argue

Rollenantrieb

eixo tracionado

ırgat

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkæp.stən/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: -

In summary

Borrowed into Middle English from either Old French cabestan, from Old Occitan cabestan, from cabestre (“pulley cord”) or from Spanish cabestran, both of which derive from Latin capistrum (“halter”), from capiō (“take hold of”).