winze

or windz

[winz]

noun Mining.

a vertical or inclined shaft driven downward from a drift into an orebody.

Compare raise(def 38).

Origin of winze

1750–60; earlier winds, apparently derivative of wind² in obsolete noun sense “apparatus for winding”

winze

[winz]

noun Scot.

a curse.

Origin of winze

1775–85; perhaps < Dutch wens wish, wensen to wish; see wish

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for winze

Historical Examples of winze

There was no draught, such as he had believed would issue from the winze.
The Copper Princess
Kirk Munroe
They were in a winze about thirty fathoms from the engine-shaft.
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
R.M. Ballantyne
They were in a level which the water entered, not by flowing along or descending, but, by rising up through a winze.
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
R.M. Ballantyne
On hearing the noise they ran to this winze, and, looking down, saw the water boiling and roaring far below.
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
R.M. Ballantyne
By this time Oliver had partially recovered, and suggested that they should ascend the winze to the top.
Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines
R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for winze

winze

noun

mining a steeply inclined shaft, as for ventilation between levels

Word Origin for winze

C18: from earlier winds, probably from C14 wynde windlass, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German winde; related to Danish vinde pulley

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012