Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Windlass
Wind′lass
,Noun.
[Perhaps from
wind
to turn + lace
.] A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.
Wind′lass
,Verb.
I.
To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.
[Obs.]
Hammond.
Wind′lass
,Noun.
[OE.
windelas
, windas
, Icel. vindilāss
, vindās
, fr. vinda
to wind + āss
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
.Wind′lass
,Verb.
T.
& I.
To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
The Century.
Webster 1828 Edition
Windlass
WINDLAS
, WINDLASS,Noun.
1.
A machine for raising great weights, consisting of a cylinder or roller of timber, moving on its axis and turned by levers, with a rope or chain attached to the weight.2.
A handle by which any thing is turned. [Not in use.]