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

winch

views updated May 18 2018

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

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.

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.