Nautical Term: Capstan
Definition of Capstan
Capstan: A large, vertical steel drum, used for handling and securing mooring lines and, optionally, anchor cable. The drum is equipped with a warping head and a handle, which are used to turn the drum and pay out the cable as needed. For example, when a ship is being moored, the mooring lines are attached to the ship and to the capstan. The sailors then turn the capstan handle, which causes the drum to rotate and pay out the mooring lines. This allows the ship to be securely moored to the dock.
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