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windlass

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noun wind·lass \ˈwin(d)-ləs\

Definition of windlass

  1. :  any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: such asa :  a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrelb :  a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor

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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

2

windlass

verb wind·lass

Definition of windlass

  1. transitive verb

  2. :  to hoist or haul with a windlass

First Known Use of windlass

1834

Learn More about windlass

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of windlass Nglish: Translation of windlass for Spanish speakers

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