winch Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun lifting device consisting of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank on which a cable or rope winds
    windlass.
  2. verb pull or lift up with or as if with a winch
    • winch up the slack line

WordNet

Winch intransitive verb
Etymology
See Wince.
Definitions
  1. To wince; to shrink; to kick with impatience or uneasiness.
Winch noun
Definitions
  1. A kick, as of a beast, from impatience or uneasiness. Shelton.
Winch noun
Etymology
OE. winche, AS. wince a winch, a reel to wind thread upon. Cf. Wink.
Definitions
  1. A crank with a handle, for giving motion to a machine, a grindstone, etc.
  2. An instrument with which to turn or strain something forcibly.
  3. An axle or drum turned by a crank with a handle, or by power, for raising weights, as from the hold of a ship, from mines, etc.; a windlass.
  4. A wince.

Webster 1913