winch

views updated May 18 2018

winch / winch/ • n. 1. a hauling or lifting device consisting of a rope, cable, or chain winding around a horizontal rotating drum, turned by a crank or by motor or other power source; a windlass.2. the crank of a wheel or axle.• v. [tr.] hoist or haul with a winch.DERIVATIVES: winch·er n.

winch

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

winch

views updated May 18 2018

winch reel, roller OE.; hoisting or hauling apparatus XVI. Late OE. winċe :- Gmc. *wiŋkjo-, f. IE. *weŋg- WINK.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

winch

views updated May 23 2018

winch. Reel or roller, capable of hoisting objects. Winch-houses are high-level features protecting winches on the façades of many tall, narrow Dutch houses. Sometimes the mechanisms for hoisting are set within the houses.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

winch

views updated May 21 2018

winch Drum that turns to pull or release a rope, cable or chain. A winch is used to raise, lower or pull heavy loads. The device may be motor-driven or operated by hand.

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