capstan

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a vertical revolving cylinder used to wind a rope or cable and exert heavy pulling force, especially aboard a ship

   The sailors stamped around the capstan as they hauled in the anchor cable.

2. 2
   noun

   a rotating spindle that draws recording tape through a machine at a steady speed

   Dust on the capstan caused the cassette tape to run unevenly.

Borrowed through Middle English from Old French or Old Occitan cabestan, or Spanish cabestran, ultimately from Latin capistrum ("halter"), from capere ("to take or seize"). The name reflects the machine's grip on a rope or cable.

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