polyspast

Etymology

From Latin polyspaston (“hoisting-tackle with many pulleys”), from Ancient Greek πολύσπαστον (polúspaston, “compound pulley”).

noun

  1. A machine consisting of many pulleys
    The Bishop of Chrysopolis, his Majesty's former tutor, consecrated the foundation-stone, which was suspended from two elegant polyspasts; the Emperor himself laid it. 1849, Adalbert, Travels of His Royal Highness Prince Adalbert of Prussia, page 275
  2. (surgical) A machine of many pulleys, formerly used to reduce dislocation
  3. (mechanics) A windlass with many pulleys and truckles

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