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windlass |
5 definitions found 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 1.6 [wn]: windlass n : a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds [syn: {winch}]
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