Hypertext Webster Gateway: "windlass"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Windlass \Wind"lass\, n.[Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.]
A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Windlass \Wind"lass\, v. i.
To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect
means. [Obs.] --Hammond.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Windlass \Wind"lass\, n. [OE. windelas, windas, Icel.
vindil[=a]ss, vind[=a]s, fr. vinda to wind + [=a]ss a pole;
cf. Goth. ans a beam. See {Wind} to turn.]
1. A machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal
cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a
crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or
chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass is
often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor.
It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by
hand or steam.
2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending
the bow of an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Chinese windlass}. See {Differential windlass}, under
{Differential}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Windlass \Wind"lass\, v. t. & i.
To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
--The Century.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
windlass
n : lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by
a crank on which a cable or rope winds [syn: {winch}]
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