Wind"lass (?), n.[Perhaps from wind to
turn + lace.] A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout
course; a shift.
Wind"lass, v. i. To take a roundabout
course; to work warily or by indirect means. [Obs.]
Hammond.
Wind"lass, n. [OE. windelas,
windas, Icel. vindilāss, vindās, fr.
vinda to wind + āss a pole; cf. Goth. ans a
beam. See Wind to turn.]
1. A machine for raising weights, consisting of a
horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank,
lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the
weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for
raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by
hand or steam.
2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for
bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] Shak.
Chinese windlass. See Differential
windlass, under Differential.
Wind"lass, v. t. & i. To raise with, or
as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century.
Wind"lass (?), n.[Perhaps from wind to
turn + lace.] A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout
course; a shift.
Wind"lass, v. i. To take a roundabout
course; to work warily or by indirect means. [Obs.]
Hammond.
Wind"lass, n. [OE. windelas,
windas, Icel. vindilāss, vindās, fr.
vinda to wind + āss a pole; cf. Goth. ans a
beam. See Wind to turn.]
1. A machine for raising weights, consisting of a
horizontal cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a crank,
lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope or chain attached to the
weight. In vessels the windlass is often used instead of the capstan for
raising the anchor. It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by
hand or steam.
2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for
bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] Shak.
Chinese windlass. See Differential
windlass, under Differential.
Wind"lass, v. t. & i. To raise with, or
as with, a windlass; to use a windlass. The Century.
