polyspast en · NOUN
Etymology
From Latin polyspaston (“hoisting-tackle with many pulleys”), from Ancient Greek πολύσπαστον (polúspaston, “compound pulley”).
Meanings
-
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:
- (qualifier:surgical) A machine of many pulleys, formerly used to reduce dislocation
- A windlass with many pulleys and truckles
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| polyspasts | Number=Plur | lexicographic |