Windlass
['wɪndləs]
Definition
(n.) A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.
(v. i.) To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.
(n.) 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.
(n.) An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
(v. t. & i.) To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
Inputed by Jesse
Definition
n. (Shak.) indirect crafty action.—v.i. to take a round-about course.
n. a modification of the wheel and axle used for raising weights consisting of a revolving cylinder.—v.i. to use a windlass.—v.t. to hoist by means of such.
Typist: Marion
Examples
- He had not well done speaking, when the windlass was reversed and worked again. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- The rope went out as before, the signal was made as before, and the windlass stopped. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- In poorer houses, water is laboriously carried in buckets from the spring or is lifted from the well by the windlass. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- The priest put on a short white lace garment over his black robe, crossed himself, bowed reverently, and began to turn a windlass slowly. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- The rope came in tight and strained; and ring after ring was coiled upon the barrel of the windlass, and all eyes were fastened on the pit. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- The signal was given and the windlass stopped, with abundant rope to spare. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- The consultation ended in the men returning to the windlass, and the pitman going down again, carrying the wine and some other small matters with him. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- For, now, the rope came in, tightened and strained to its utmost as it appeared, and the men turned heavily, and the windlass complained. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- Apparently so long an interval ensued with the men at the windlass standing idle, that some women shrieked that another accident had happened! Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- The employment of the rope, pulley and windlass to raise water was known to Hero and his countrymen as well as by the Chinese before them. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- So they attached levers, pulleys, ratchets and windlasses, until at last they reached the size of the great siege cross-bows, weighing eighteen pounds. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
Inputed by Billy