windlass

Definitions

1. 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. 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.
3. 3.To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "windlass" mean?
• What is another word for "windlass"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is windlass.

• What is 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 called?
• What is to raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century called?