windlass
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.
to raise, haul, or move (a load) by means of a windlass.
Origin of windlass
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use windlass in a sentence
The fog was so dense that even the lookout posted at her fore windlasses was a hazy figure as seen from the pilot-house.
Blow The Man Down | Holman DayThe same inventor and others have contrived “steam-windlasses,” some of which are in general use on large vessels.
A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine | Robert H. ThurstonThese were situated upon a great plain, which was dotted with strong sunburnt men, straining at windlasses.
Grif | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) FarjeonHe had a frame placed on four wheels, and fitted up with windlasses attached by gearing to the several wheels.
Lives of the Engineers | Samuel SmilesAt the head of each boom is a raft which supports two large windlasses, each of which works an anchor.
Illustrated Science for Boys and Girls | Anonymous
British Dictionary definitions for windlass
/ (ˈwɪndləs) /
a machine for raising weights by winding a rope or chain upon a barrel or drum driven by a crank, motor, etc
(tr) to raise or haul (a weight, etc) by means of a windlass
Origin of windlass
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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