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

“With the loathsomeness of the stench ... I became so sick and low that I was not able to eat.... I now wished for the last friend, death, to relieve me; but soon, to my grief, two of the white men offered me eatables; and, on my refusing to eat, one of them held me fast by the hands, and laid me across I think the windlass, and tied my feet, while the other flogged me severely.”

From Literature

The first was the windlass and the second was the great wheel.

From Literature

The windlass, which had helped lift the timbers of the roof, was already in place and was used to raise the great wheel.

From Literature

Once the beams were in place a windlass was set on top of them to hoist the rest of the timber and help in setting up the trusses.

From Literature

According to the museum, a large wooden windlass - a type of winch - that staff from Ludington State Park found a few years ago may also be from the same wreck.

From Washington Times