windlass

American  

[wind-luhs] / ˈwɪnd ləs /

noun

1. a device for raising or hauling objects, usually consisting of a horizontal cylinder or barrel turned by a crank, lever, motor, or the like, upon which a cable, rope, or chain winds, the outer end of the cable being attached directly or indirectly to the weight to be raised or the thing to be hauled or pulled; winch.

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verb (used with object)

1. to raise, haul, or move (a load) by means of a windlass.

windlass British  

/ ˈwɪndləs /

noun

1. a machine for raising weights by winding a rope or chain upon a barrel or drum driven by a crank, motor, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to raise or haul (a weight, etc) by means of a windlass

Etymology

Origin of windlass

1350–1400; Middle English wind ( e ) las < Old Norse vindāss, equivalent to vinda to wind ² + āss beam

Example Sentences

According to the museum, a large wooden windlass - a type of winch - that staff from Ludington State Park found a few years ago may also be from the same wreck.

From Washington Times

Our seminar was making a windlass, a kind of winch used to raise an anchor.

From Los Angeles Times

Robin could see the iron wheel under the window which turned like a windlass to let out the rope.

From Literature

Early versions consisted of a strip of cloth and a stick, which was used as a windlass.

From The New Yorker

He wound the rope until it was tight around the windlass, seized the bucket, and started down the hill, spilling soup as he went.

From Literature