WINDLASS

winch, windlass

(noun) lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

windlass (plural windlasses)

Any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights

A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course.

An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.

Verb

windlass (third-person singular simple present windlasses, present participle windlassing, simple past and past participle windlassed)

To raise with, or as if with, a windlass; to use a windlass.

To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.

Source: Wiktionary

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Wind"lass, n.Etym: [Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.]

Definition: A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.

Wind"lass, v. i.

Definition: To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means. [Obs.] Hammond.

Wind"lass, n. Etym: [OE. windelas, windas, Icel. vindilass, vindas, fr. vinda to wind + ass a pole; cf. Goth. ans a beam. See Wind to turn.]

1. A machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by hand or steam.

2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] Shak. Chinese windlass. See Differential windlass, under Differential.

Wind"lass, v. t. & i.

Definition: To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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