SG Heritage Dictionary

Windlass [\N] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. WINDLAS, WINDLASS noun [wind and lace.]

2. A machine for raising great weights, consisting of a cylinder or roller of timber, moving on its axis and turned by levers, with a rope or chain attached to the weight.

3. A handle by which any thing is turned. [Not in use.]

Windlass [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.

2. 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.

3. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.

Windlass [Verb intransitive] Webster's Dictionary 1913

To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.

Windlass [Verb transitive and intransitive] Webster's Dictionary 1913

To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.