capstan (kapstan)

[Formerly also capstane, cap stand (simulating stand ), capstern (simulating stern ), once cap string (simulating string ), capisten, cast on (dial. capsal, q. v.); = MD. kapestant, D. kaapstander (simulating kaap stander, a lighthouse, Sp. cabestro = Pg. cabresto = It. capestro = Pr. cabestre = OF. chevestre, F. che vétre ), a halter, muzzle, band, IMG:content-3106.png:[blocks in formation] which has holes to receive the ends of levers or bars by which the barrel is revolv ed. At the bottom of the barrel is a pawl-head, with pawls to catch a ratchet-ring or pawl-rim, which is secured to the floor or platform, A capstan differs from a windla in having a vertical instead of a horizontal axis. The capstan employed to draw coal from pits is usually called a gin, and when worked by horses a whim - gin. On board ship it is used for weighing the anchor, warping ship, etc. - Chinese capstan, a differential device for hoisting or hauling. It is the same as the differential windla (which see, under windla ), except that its axis is vertical.-Power-capa capstan in which, by the application of cog-wheels, great power may be gained at the expense of speed. Steam-capstan, a capstan turned by a steam-engine.To come up with the capstan, to turn it the contrary way, so as to slacken the rope about it. - To heave at the capstan, to cause it to turn by pushing with the breast against the bars. - To man the capstan, to place the sailors at it in readine to heave. To pawl the capstan, to fix the pawls so as to prevent the capstan from recoiling. - To rig the capstan, to prepare it for heaving by fixing the bars in the holes or otherwise. - Το surge the capstan, to slacken the rope wound round upon it.