Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - windlass

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindass, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + ass pole; akin to Gothic ans beam  Date: 13th century any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: as  a. a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel  b. a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor  II. transitive verb  Date: 1834 to hoist or haul with a ~