windlass

[ wind-luhs ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to raise, haul, or move (a load) by means of a windlass.

windlass

/ 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

verb

1. tr to raise or haul (a weight, etc) by means of a windlass

Word History and Origins

Origin of windlass¹

1350–1400; Middle English wind ( e ) las < Old Norse vindāss, equivalent to vinda to wind ² + āss beam

Word History and Origins

Origin of windlass¹

C14: from Old Norse vindáss, from vinda to wind ² + ass pole; related to Old French guindas, Middle Low German, Dutch windas

Example Sentences

The chain communicated with a powerful crane rigged up on the foremast, and was wrought by a steam windlass on deck.

From Project Gutenberg

Newton made no answer, and Jackson went forward, where the remainder of the crew were heaving up the anchor with the windlass.

From Project Gutenberg

I will make a windlass as soon as I can, and we will soon hoist out another, like they turn a bucket of water up from a well.

From Project Gutenberg

The words of these windlass and bowline "shanties" have, of course, little of the element of finished poetry about them.

From Project Gutenberg

Those working the windlass, feeling that the strain was off the rope, let out no more.

From Project Gutenberg