1. windlass - Noun
2. windlass - Verb
A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.
To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.
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.
An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
Source: Webster's dictionaryAt one point, the crew is getting up the anchor in a storm, by means of a pump-style windlass. Source: Internet
Consequentially, many Aboriginal people were injured or died while trying to access the water, either falling in and drowning or breaking bones on the windlass handle. Source: Internet
Then the screw is reversed, the windlass turned again to move the bed back to its original position, the tympan and frisket raised and opened, and the printed sheet removed. Source: Internet
The required crossbows needed a massive base frame and powerful windlass devices. Source: Internet