I. ˈwin(d)-ləs noun
Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + āss 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1834
: to hoist or haul with a windlass