English

Seamen pushing the handspikes

Noun

handspike ‎(plural handspikes)

1. A bar or lever, generally of wood, used in a windlass or capstan, for heaving anchor, and, in modified forms, for various purposes.
   • 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 22

     “Man the capstan! Blood and thunder!—jump!”—was the next command, and the crew sprang for the handspikes.

   • 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

     Then he rapped on the door with a bit of stick like a handspike that he carried...

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