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

Example Sentences

Here they found water pouring down like rain, and heard its thunders above them, but the stream was not sufficient to retard their progress up the winze, which they ascended with comparative ease.

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

By this time Oliver had partially recovered, and suggested that they should ascend the winze to the top.

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

Afterwards he returned to his familiar haunts underground; and although he could no longer labour in the old way, he was quite able to work a windlass, and draw up the bucket at a winze.

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

But they had no time to speak—scarcely to think—for the water was already boiling up through the winze like a huge fountain, and filling the level.

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

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)