Capstan - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition capstan

Definition :

A vertical cleated drum or cylinder revolving on an upright spindle and surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for bars or levers It is much used especially on shipboard for moving or raising heavy weights or exerting great power by traction upon a rope or cable passing around the drum It is operated either by steam power or by a number of men walking around the capstan each pushing on the end of a lever fixed in its socket