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winch

The definition of a winch is a device used for hauling or lifting that contains a rotating part with rope, cable or chains wound around it, or a crank on a pulley system.

(noun)

An example of a winch is a pulley device used to lift a heavy piano up to a second floor by rotating a cable that is wound around a horizontal part to cause the rope holding the piano to move upwards.

See winch in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a crank with a handle for transmitting motion, as to a grindstone
a machine for hoisting, lowering, or hauling, consisting of a drum or cylinder turned by a crank or motor: a rope or cable tied to the load is wound on the drum or cylinder

Origin: ME winche < OE wince < IE base *weng-, to be curved, bowed > wink

transitive verb

to hoist or haul with a winch

See winch in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A stationary motor-driven or hand-powered machine used for hoisting or hauling, having a drum around which is wound a rope or chain attached to the load being moved.
The crank used to give motion to a grindstone or similar device.

transitive verb winched, winch·ing, winch·es

To move with or as if with a winch.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English winche, pulley

Origin: , from Old English wince, reel, roller

Related Forms: