windlass

noun wind·lass \ ˈwin(d)-ləs \

|Updated on: 4 May 2018

Definition of windlass

: any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: such as

a : a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel

b : a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor

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Recent Examples of windlass from the Web

Cranes, windlasses and capstans (ancient water-raising devices based on a kind of swinging, see-saw design) may well have inspired the use of counterweights in early elevators and hoists.

— adrienne bernhard, Smithsonian, "Elevators Are Going Green," 27 Apr. 2018
The whole system is a combination of an anchor specifically designed to dig into the seabed, an enormous chain to keep it attached to the boat, and a windlass, the giant machine that lowers and raises an anchor by that chain.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "How Mega-Ships Drop Their Giant Anchors," 15 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'windlass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of windlass

Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + āss pole; akin to Goth ans beam

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First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined above

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