Main Entry:

¹winch

Pronunciation:

\ˈwinch\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English winche roller, reel, from Old English wince; akin to Old English wincian to wink

Date:

before 12th century

1: any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling ; especially : a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : windlass2: a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone)

[winch illustration]