Rapson's slide

noun

Rap·​son's slide

ˈrapsənz-

: a device that consists of a crosshead capable of moving in fixed guides and having a pivoted block with a hole in it through which passes a lever hinged at a fixed point outside and that is used as a differential gear for a ship's rudder

Word History

Etymology

after John Rapson, British millwright who patented such a device in 1834

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!