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; see wish

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

winze

He was still engaged in prayer when the water drove them from the level, and compelled them to re-ascend the winze.

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

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 R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

They were in a winze about thirty fathoms from the engine-shaft.

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

Moreover, it is easier to follow the ore in a rise than in a winze.

From Principles of Mining Valuation, Organization and Administration by Herbert Hoover

Determined to save his candle for use in the unknown winze, he slowly groped his way through utter darkness, and finally reached what he believed to be the end of the drift.

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

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