- Chinese windlass
- 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.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
{Chinese windlass}. See {Differential windlass}, under {Differential}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
