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

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

From The New Yorker • Apr. 1, 2019

As he cranked the windlass, Neal asked, “How do we know when to stop?”

From The New Yorker • Apr. 1, 2019

Up here on that bow, this is the anchor windlass.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2017

In one case, a broken gear on its anchor windlass was so old that a new part had to be custom built, causing a six-week delay.

From Reuters • Oct. 8, 2012

The windlass, which had helped lift the timbers of the roof, was already in place and was used to raise the great wheel.

From "Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction" by David Macaulay