WINCH

Winch

A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in or let out or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire rope . In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank. In larger forms, winches stand at the heart of machines as diverse as tow trucks, steam shovels and elevators. The spool can also be called the winch drum. More elaborate designs have gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. Some may include a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet and pawl device that prevents it from unwinding unless the pawl is retracted.

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winch

Noun

  1. A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a pawl, and a crank handle, with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hauling on a rope.
  2. A hoisting machine used for loading or discharging cargo, or for hauling in lines. (FM 55-501).
  3. A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).
  4. A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.

Verb

  1. To use a winch
    Winch in those sails, lad!

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To wince; to shrink; to kick with impatience or uneasiness.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: winch
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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