[wind.lass] n [ME wyndlas, alter. of wyndas, fr. ON vindass, fr. vinda to wind (akin to OHG wintan to wind) + ass pole; akin to Goth ans beam] (15c): 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
[2]windlass vt (1834): to hoist or haul with a windlass