winze

¹ American  

[winz] / wɪnz /

Or windz

noun

Mining.

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

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winze ² American  

[winz] / wɪnz /

noun

Scot.

1. a curse.

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winze British  

/ wɪnz /

noun

1. mining a steeply inclined shaft, as for ventilation between levels

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Etymology

Origin of winze¹

1750–60; earlier winds, apparently derivative of wind ² in obsolete noun sense “apparatus for winding”

Origin of winze²

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

Example Sentences

They heard the roar of the approaching torrent, and the father and younger son James rushed towards the winze, intending to ascend the ladder.

From Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

They found the posts in the tool-shed, and, borne upon the initial enthusiasm of their venture, began to sink a sort of winze on each side of the lawn.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 153, August 1, 1917. by Various

There was no draught, such as he had believed would issue from the winze.

From The Copper Princess A Story of Lake Superior Mines by Rogers, W. A. (William Allen)

The trap-door was opened, strong and willing hands were thrust down the dark winze to the rescue, and in a few seconds the three men were saved.

From Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Bessie’s knowledge came to her aid, and, laying the baby tenderly down, she brought both hands to bear, feeling cautiously about to determine the width of the winze.

From The Vicar's People by Fenn, George Manville