I. ˈwindlə̇s noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English wynlase, wyndelas, wyndlas, alteration (probably influenced by Middle English windlen, freq. of winden to wind) of wyndas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind + āss pole, beam
1. : any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: as
a. : a horizontal barrel supported in vertical standards and turned by a crank with a handle so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel — see differential windlass
b. : a horizontal barrel with whelps turned by handspikes inserted in radial holes near each end and formerly used to raise the anchor — compare capstan
c. : a powerful steam or electric winch having a horizontal or a vertical shaft and two drums that is used to raise the anchor and is mounted on the forecastlehead
d. : a winch used in agriculture that has a vertical drum and is operated by a tractor
2. : a small winch formerly used to bend a crossbow
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to hoist or haul with or as if with a windlass
III. noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by wind ) (IV) of Middle English wanlas
1. obsolete : a roundabout way taken to intercept game in hunting : a roundabout movement
2. obsolete : a circuitous method : artifice , maneuver