noun

windlass

Windlass (noun) means any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights.

noun

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.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “windlass” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

From Middle English wyndlas, wyndelas, wyndlasse, wyndelasse, probably an alteration (due to Middle English windel) of Middle English windas, wyndas, wyndace, from Anglo-Norman windase, windeis and Old Northern French windas (compare Old French guindas, Medieval Latin windasius, windasa), from Old Norse vindáss (“windlass”, literally “winding-pole”), from vinda (“to wind”) + áss (“pole”). Compare Icelandic vindilass.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of windlass?

"windlass" (noun) means any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights.

What are the different meanings of windlass?

"windlass" has 3 main meanings: 1. Any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights; 2. A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; 3. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.