Capstan, mechanical device used chiefly on board ships or in shipyards for moving heavy weights by means of ropes, cables, or chains. Capstans also have been used in railroad yards for spotting (positioning) freight cars.

Who invented capstan?

So, man being the ingenious cuss he is, some unknown character devised the first capstan. A Greek poet, named Nonnos, of Panopolis, who lived during the 4th century AD, wrote in his 48 volume epic poem Dionysiaca, of the “ …

Why is it called a capstan?

History. The word, connected with the Old French capestan or cabestan(t), from Old Provençal cabestan, from capestre "pulley cord," from Latin capistrum, -a halter, from capere, to take hold of, seems to have come into English (14th century) from Portuguese or Spanish shipmen at the time of the Crusades.