Added 9 October 2026
windlass
/ˈwɪnd.ləs/ noun
In Latin: sucula, tormentum Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about windlass at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds.
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)