I. ˈwinch noun
Etymology: Middle English winche roller, reel, from Old English wince; akin to Old English wincian to wink
Date: before 12th century
1. : any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling ; especially : a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting : windlass
2. : a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone)
[
winch 1
]
II. transitive verb
Date: 1529
: to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch
• winch·er noun