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 : windlass
2 : a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone)

[winch illustration]