windlass

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a machine with a horizontal or vertical rotating drum around which a rope or chain is wound to raise or haul heavy loads, especially a ship's anchor

   The crew used the windlass to haul the anchor chain onto the deck.

2. 2
   verb

   to raise, haul, or move something by means of a windlass

   The sailors windlassed the heavy cable aboard before departure.

From Middle English wyndlas, an alteration of windas, through Old French forms from Old Norse vindass, literally 'winding pole,' formed from vinda, 'to wind,' + ass, 'pole or beam.' The name describes the rotating beam around which a rope or chain is wound.

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