Etymology dictionary. 2014.
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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Windlass — Wind lass, v. t. & i. To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
windlass — [wind′ləs] n. [ME wyndlas, altered (infl. by wyndel, a winding device < winden, WIND1) < windas, windlass < ON vindass < vinda, to WIND1 + ass, a beam] a winch, esp. a simple one for lifting an anchor, a bucket in a well, etc. vt., vi … English World dictionary
windlass — ► NOUN ▪ a winch, especially one on a ship or in a harbour. ► VERB ▪ haul or lift with a windlass. ORIGIN probably from an Old Norse word meaning winding pole … English terms dictionary
Windlass — Wind lass, n.[Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.] A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Windlass — Wind lass, v. i. To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means. [Obs.] Hammond. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Windlass — For the tool used to raise paddle gear on canal locks, see Windlass ( lock key ) Turnbridge Windlass Lift road bridge over Huddersfield Broad Canal … Wikipedia
windlass — Synonyms and related words: Chinese windlass, Spanish windlass, capstan, crab, crane, derrick, erector, forklift, gantry crane, hoist, hydraulic tailgate, jack, jackscrew, lever, lift, lifter, reel, tackle, winch … Moby Thesaurus
windlass — UK [ˈwɪndləs] / US noun [countable] Word forms windlass : singular windlass plural windlasses a piece of equipment used for lifting heavy things. It uses a motor to wind a rope or chain around a large round cylinder … English dictionary
windlass — I. noun Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + āss pole; akin to Gothic ans beam Date: 13th century … New Collegiate Dictionary
