Capstan
a strong, massive appaand shaped like a truncated cone, and ratus of wood or iron made to revolve, having the upper part provided with holes for the reception of bars or levers thus raise a heavy weight by winding a with which to cause it to revolve, and rope rope round it. It is especially used on shipboard for weighing the anchor. Capare single or double, according as anchor. Capthey have one or two barrels upon the same spindle. The double capstan is revolved by two sets of men on two decks.
They are known as "fore" or "aft" capaccording to position. The fore capstan stands between the heel of the bowsprit and the foremast; the aft capthe mainmast. The drum capstan, for weighing heavy anchors, was invented by about 1661. was invented by Sir Samuel Morland has authority over others, especially: