windlass
[ wind-luhs ]
/ ˈwɪnd ləs /
noun
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.
verb (used with object)
to raise, haul, or move (a load) by means of a windlass.
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Origin of windlass
Words nearby windlass
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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British Dictionary definitions for windlass
windlass
/ (ˈwɪndləs) /
noun
a machine for raising weights by winding a rope or chain upon a barrel or drum driven by a crank, motor, etc
verb
(tr) to raise or haul (a weight, etc) by means of a windlass
Word Origin for windlass
C14: from Old Norse vindáss, from vinda to wind ² + ass pole; related to Old French guindas, Middle Low German, Dutch windas
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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