windlass

Definition

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

Etymology

From Middle English wyndlas, wyndelas, wyndlasse, wyndelasse, probably an alteration (due to Middle English windel) of Middle English windas, wyndas, wyndace, from Anglo-Norman windase, windeis and Old Northern French windas (compare Old French guindas, Medieval Latin windasius, windasa), from Old Norse vindáss (“windlass”, literally “winding-pole”), from vinda (“to wind”) + áss (“pole”). Compare Icelandic vindilass.

Example Sentences

• "With windlasses and with assays of bias, / By indirections find directions out."