CAPSTAN


Meaning of CAPSTAN in English

n.1 a thick revolving cylinder with a vertical axis, for winding an anchor cable or a halyard etc.

2 a revolving spindle on a tape recorder, that guides the tape past the head.

Phrases and idioms:

capstan lathe a lathe with a revolving tool-holder.

Etymology: Prov. cabestan, ult. f. L capistrum halter f. capere seize

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.