windlass
English
/ˈwɪnd.ləs/
noun
Definitions
- Any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights
- A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course.
- An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English windas derived from windase derived from windas derived from Old Norse vindáss (windlass, winding-pole).
Origin
Old Norse
vindáss
Gloss
windlass, winding-pole