Abstract
THE OED identfies a capstan as a vertical axle to which power is applied by movable bars inserted in horizontal sockets around the top, and pushed by men walking round; the apparatus is made to revolve and winds up cable around its cylinder or barrel.1 Middle English forms include capstan, cappestan, capstone; Mod. Eng. variants are capstain, capsten, capstone, capstang. The earliest attestation is from Cleanness, the work of the Pearl poet. The term occurs in a catalogue of key nautical parts of which Noah’s ark has no need. Withouten mast, oþer myke, oþer myry bawelyne, Kable, oþer capstan to clyppe to her ankrez, Hurrok, oþer hande-helme hasped on roþer, Oþer any sweande sayl to seche aften hauen. without mast or mast crutch or bonny bowline, cable or capstan to fasten to its anchors, stern-well or tiller fastened to the rudder, or any billowing sail to seek for a harbour.2
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