Main Entry:

cap·stan

Pronunciation:

\ˈkap-stən, -ˌstan\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, probably from Middle French cabestant

Date:

14th century

1 : a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned 2 : a rotating shaft that drives tape at a constant speed in a recorder