Two arblasts, . . . with windlaces and quarrels.
Sir W. Scott.
Wind"lass (?), n.[Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.] A winding and
circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.
Wind"lass, v. i. To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by
indirect means. [Obs.] Hammond.
Wind"lass, n. [OE. windelas, windas, Icel. vindilss, vinds, fr. vinda
to wind + ss a pole; cf. Goth. ans a beam. See Wind to turn.]
1. 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.
2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of
an arblast, or crossbow. [Obs.] Shak.
Chinese windlass. See Differential windlass, under Differential.
Wind"lass, v. t. & i. To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a
windlass. The Century.