winze

¹

or windz

[ winz ]

noun

, Mining.

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

winze

²

[ winz ]

noun

, Scot.

1. a curse.

winze

/ wɪnz /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of winze¹

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

Example Sentences

We have not, however, been justified in using the term "winze," because some of these were openings to the surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Alicia Winze Hughes at the Lexington Herald-Leader calls the race a “parity party.”

From New York Times

They are economical of labour in digging through solid rock, and she found that the winze was but a yard across, so, drawing herself back, she caught up her burthen, hesitating for a moment, as she felt that a false step would plunge them both into the well-like opening.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

“If he wasn’t there I could get up the winze, and then up to the next gallery by the ladders, so I’m all right.”

From Project Gutenberg