Noun
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.
Source: Webster's dictionaryIt was equipped with quartz-lock capstan servo and amorphous head. Source: Internet
History A Helepolis -like Siege Engine showing ballistae, stairs and movement capstan Modern armoured fighting vehicles are the realization of an ancient concept: that of providing troops with mobile protection and suppressive firepower. Source: Internet
A manual capstan was installed on the west bank of the river (its remains can still be seen) and rockets were fired to carry a line to ships so that they could be winched to safety. Source: Internet
The recording process in VHS consists of the following steps, in this order: * The tape is pulled from the supply reel by a capstan and pinch roller, similar to those used in audio tape recorders. Source: Internet