I. ˈpu̇lē, -li noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English poley, pouley, from Middle French polie, poulie, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin polidium, probably from (assumed) Late Greek polidion, diminutive of Greek polos pivot, axis, pole — more at pole (extremity of an axis)
1.
a. : a small wheel with a grooved rim : sheave
b. : a sheave with the pin on which it turns, the frame in which it runs, and the flexible rope, cord, or chain passing through the groove that is used singly to change the direction and point of application of a pulling force applied at one end of the rope, cord, or chain and singly or in any of various definite combinations to increase the applied force especially for lifting weights — see tackle
2.
a. : a single pulley or a combination of pulleys with the necessary ropes to form a tackle regarded as one of the simple machines or mechanical powers
b. : a wheel of any size with a flat, curved, or grooved rim often of considerable width revolvable on its axis and supported by a bearing or bearings that is used to transmit power by means of a band or belt passing over its rim or a cord, rope, or chain or several of them running in its groove or grooves — see cone pulley , expanding pulley , idler pulley , mule pulley , split pulley , tension pulley ; compare drum , sprocket wheel
3. : trochlea
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by pulley ) (I) of Middle English puleyn, from Middle French poulain, literally, foal, from Late Latin pullamen, from Latin pullus young of an animal — more at foal
: a slideway for barrels