Capstan vs. Windlass

Capstannoun

(nautical) A vertical cylindrical machine that revolves on a spindle, used to apply force to ropes, cables, etc. It is typically surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for levers used to turn it.

Capstannoun

(electronics) A rotating spindle used to move recording tape through the mechanism of a tape recorder.

Capstannoun

A vertical cleated drum or cylinder, revolving on an upright spindle, and surmounted by a drumhead with sockets for bars or levers. It is much used, especially on shipboard, for moving or raising heavy weights or exerting great power by traction upon a rope or cable, passing around the drum. It is operated either by steam power or by a number of men walking around the capstan, each pushing on the end of a lever fixed in its socket.

Capstannoun

a windlass rotated in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis; used on ships for weighing anchor or raising heavy sails

Capstannoun

a broad revolving cylinder with a vertical axis used for winding a rope or cable, powered by a motor or pushed round by levers.

Capstannoun

the motor-driven spindle on a tape recorder that makes the tape travel past the head at constant speed.

Windlassnoun

Any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights

Windlassnoun

A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course.

Windlassnoun

An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.

Windlassverb

To raise with, or as if with, a windlass; to use a windlass.

Windlassverb

To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.

Windlassnoun

A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.

Windlassnoun

A machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by hand or steam.

Windlassnoun

An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.

Windlassverb

To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.

Windlassverb

To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.

Windlassnoun

lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds

Windlass

The windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel), which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt.