Webster's English Dictionary

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winch

1. winch \'winch\ n [ME winche roller, reel, fr. OE wince; akin to OE 
   wincian to]wink 1: any of various machines or instruments for hauling or 
   pulling; esp  : a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil 
   rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : WINDLASS 2: a crank with a 
   handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone) 
2. winch vt : to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch  - winch.er n