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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

polyspaston

, fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] drawn by several cords;

πολύσ

many + [GREEK] to draw: cf. F.

polyspaste

(Surg.)

A machine consisting of many pulleys; specifically, an apparatus formerly used for reducing luxations.

Noun.

[Gr. many and to draw.] A machine consisting of many pulleys.

polyspast ‎(plural polyspasts)

A machine consisting of many pulleys
- 1849, Adalbert, Travels of His Royal Highness Prince Adalbert of Prussia, page 275,
  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.
(surgical) A machine of many pulleys, formerly used to reduce dislocation
(mechanics) A windlass with many pulleys and truckles

machine consisting of many pulleys