n.
Pronunciation: ' win(d)-l ə s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vind ā ss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + ā ss pole; akin to Gothic ans beam
Date: 13th century
: any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: as a : a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel b : a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor