n. & v.
n. (pl. -eys) 1 a grooved wheel or set of wheels for a cord etc. to pass over, set in a block and used for changing the direction of a force. 2 a wheel or drum fixed on a shaft and turned by a belt, used esp. to increase speed or power.
v.tr. (-eys, -eyed) 1 hoist or work with a pulley. 2 provide with a pulley.
[ ME f. OF polie prob. ult. f. med. Gk polidion (unrecorded) pivot, dimin. of polos POLE(2) ]