- 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.
Definition
[ n.]