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windlass Definition

wind·lass (windləs)

noun

a winch, esp. a simple one for lifting an anchor, a bucket in a well, etc.

Etymology: ME wyndlas, altered (infl. by -wyndel, a winding device < winden, wind) < windas, windlass < ON vindass < vinda, to wind + ass, a beam

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to hoist, lower, or haul with a windlass

windlass Usage Examples

Converse of subject

  • operate: The tail gates and tail gate paddles of this lock and Lock 2w are hydraulic and operated by windlass.

Converse of object

  • turn: They had then rushed out into the hall, where Ames had turned the windlass which lowered the drawbridge.
  • use: The picture at the top of the page features a Medieval crossbow windlass used during the Middle Ages.
  • leave: Never leave the windlass ( lock key ) on the spindle.
  • need: This would need a special windlass, not unlike the River Great Ouse type.
  • have: She does not have an anchor windlass, refrigerator or running hot water.
  • require: These gates require unusual windlasses, the paddles require an open ended, preferably a two handled square.

Adjective modifier

  • electric: One more thing - I am used to electric anchor windlasses - -are manual ones effective and quick enough?
  • Spanish: In the Egyptian ships the hogging trusses were plainly tensioned by twisting them together, making what is often called a Spanish Windlass.
  • horizontal: The horizontal windlass offers the best performance with smaller or unusual locker designs.
  • manual: No problems, anchor held well and the manual windlass made lifting the anchor straightforward.
  • special: This would need a special windlass, not unlike the River Great Ouse type.
  • large: While we were wandering around an EA guy with a very large windlass came over and had a chat.

Modifies a noun

  • kit: Windlass kit with all parts ready for assembly including teacher's notes.

Noun used with modifier

  • anchor: CAUTION: The chief engineer must keep up the speed of the anchor windlass to take up all the slack in the anchor cable.
  • crossbow: The picture at the top of the page features a Medieval crossbow windlass used during the Middle Ages.
  • chain: The chain windlass is just beyond the bridge ramp.
  • hand: It is most probable his wife worked the hand windlass to wind the coal to the surface.