Capstan

A strong short column of wood or cast metal, fitted on an upper-deck, forecastle-deck, bridge-, poop*, or raised-quarter-deck, revolved by hand or steam-power, for heaving upon hawsers or chain-cables; when moving a ve el in harbour from one place to another; also for heaving up anchors, raising heavy weights in shipping or unshipping goods, etc., etc. See Ptate 67 A A B. *