Capstan

Capstan (Fr. cabestan), on shipboard, is an apparatus on the principle of Wheel and Axle (q.v.); its barrel or axis, unlike that of the Windlass (q.v.), is vertical, and in the simplest form is turned by levers working horizontally, the ends of which are inserted in the top or head of the axis. The rope or chain attached to the weight to be lifted is coiled around the body of the capstan, and is drawn in by its motion. The axis may be of iron, or wood with an iron core. At the bottom is a toothed wheel, with pawls to prevent recoil. In large vessels, capstans are generally worked by steam; on shore they are useful for hauling up boats. The GIN for lifting coals from a pit is a similar appliance.