See Also: decimation(dictionary)
DECIMATION(law)
capstan(dictionary)
capstan(encyclopedia)
capstan(dictionary)
Capstan - Sailing(gambling)
gambling(medicine)
gambling(encyclopedia)
gambling(dictionary)
Gambling(law)

Capstan - Sailing (gambling) and decimation (iou)


Capstan - Sailing (gambling)


A rotating drum used to haul heavy lines and chains. Similar to a winch, but mounted vertically.

decimation (iou)



decimation noun. LME.
[Late Latin decimatio(n-), formed as DECIMATE: see -ATION.]
Hist. (The exaction or payment of) a tithe or tax of one-tenth; esp. the tax imposed by Cromwell on Royalists in 1655. LME.
Hist. The selection by lot and execution of one man in every ten (see DECIMATE verb 1). L16.
gen. The killing or removal of one in ten; loosely destruction of a large proportion, infliction of heavy losses or fatalities. L17.