ropeway n : a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers [syn: tramway, tram, aerial tramway, cable tramway]

A ropeway is a form of naval lifting device used to transport light stores and equipment across rivers or ravines. It comprises a jackstay, slung between two sheers or gyns, one at either end, from which is suspended a block and tackle, that is free to travel along the rope and hauled back and forth by inhauls (ropes attached to the pulley from which the block and tackle are suspended).

Because they are more stable, in particular in the direction along the ropeway, and because they require less guying, gyns are better than sheers for supporting a ropeway.

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