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.
Etymology: ME f. OF polie prob. ult. f. med. Gk polidion (unrecorded) pivot, dimin. of polos POLE(2)