Windlass
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A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a
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lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
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A windlass is a mechanical device used for lifting or moving heavy objects. It typically consists of a horizontal cylinder or barrel that is rotated using a crank or belt to wind up a rope or chain, which can lift, lower, or pull a heavy load. This device is commonly used in ships for raising the anchor and also in wells to draw water.
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to take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means
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a machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by hand or steam
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to raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass
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The windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder, which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt. A winch is affixed to one or both ends, and a cable or rope is wound around the winch, pulling a weight attached to the opposite end.
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wind′las, n. a modification of the wheel and axle, used for raising weights, consisting of a revolving cylinder.—v.i. to use a windlass.—v.t. to hoist by means of such. [Skeat explains as a corruption, due to confusion with the succeeding word, of M. E. windas, a windlass—Ice. vindáss—vinda, to wind; Dut. windas.]
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An axis, or roller of wood, square at each end, through which are either cross-holes for handspikes, or staves across, to turn it round, by which operation it draws a rope, one end of which is attached to a weight, which is thus raised from any depth.
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