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rotating machine used to control or apply force to another element

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Capstans (nautical)

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Tourists turn a capstan. The tensioned portion of the rope would fasten the ship to the quay, hoist a foresail, lift a spar into position on the mast or be used to transfer cargo to or from a dock or lighter.

A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to multiply the pulling force of sailors when hauling ropes, cables, and hawsers. The principle is similar to that of the windlass, which has a horizontal axle.

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