Spanish windlass

British  

noun

1. a stick used as a device for twisting and tightening a rope or cable

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Example Sentences

For bending the sides a "Spanish windlass" of rope or chain was used.

From The Migrations of an American Boat Type by Chapelle, Howard I. (Howard Irving)

For parchment the 'linings' are tied in a frame by strings fastened round grooved pegs, on the same principle as a Spanish windlass....

From Highways and Byways in Cambridge and Ely by Conybeare, Edward

The Spanish windlass, which is used in surgery for controlling haemorrage, seemed to me to be applicable for fastening scions in place.

From Northern Nut Growers Association, Report Of The Proceedings At The Tenth Annual Meeting. Battle Creek, Michigan, December 9 and 10, 1919 by Northern Nut Growers Association

The lever of the Spanish windlass is fastened with a cord or with a galvanized nail in order to prevent the windlass from unwinding and the whole covered with melted paraffin.

From Northern Nut Growers Association, Report Of The Proceedings At The Tenth Annual Meeting. Battle Creek, Michigan, December 9 and 10, 1919 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Oh, that," said Penn proudly, "is a Spanish windlass.

From Captains Courageous by Kipling, Rudyard