Webster's English Dictionary

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windlass

1. wind.lass \'win-(d)l*s\ n [ME wyndlas, alter. of wyndas, fr. ON 
   vinda-ss, fr. vin]da to wind + a-ss pole; akin to OHG wintan to wind : any 
   of various machines for hoisting or hauling : as  : a horizontal barrel 
   supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank s o that the hoisting 
   rope is wound around the barrel : a steam or electric winch with horizontal 
   or vertical shaft and two dru ms used to raise a ship's anchor
2. windlass vt : to hoist or haul with a windlass