winch

¹winch

noun \ˈwinch\

: a machine that has a rope or chain and that is used for pulling or lifting heavy things

Full Definition of WINCH

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)

Illustration of WINCH

Origin of WINCH

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WINCH

chinch, cinch, clinch, finch, flinch, grinch, inch, lynch, Minch, pinch, squinch

²winch

verb

Definition of WINCH

transitive verb

:  to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch

— winch·er noun

First Known Use of WINCH

1529