noun๐ShareAny of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights"The sailors used the windlass to raise the heavy anchor. "machinenauticaltechnologydevicebuildingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun๐ShareA winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course."The windlass of bureaucratic procedures made getting the permit a lengthy and complicated process. "nauticalmachinetechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun๐ShareAn apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow."The crossbowman used a windlass to pull back the heavy string and prepare to fire. "weaponmilitarydevicemachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb๐ShareTo raise with, or as if with, a windlass; to use a windlass."The fisherman windlassed the heavy anchor back onto the boat. "nauticaltechnologymachineactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb๐ShareTo take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means."Instead of directly asking her boss for a raise, Sarah decided to windlass around the subject by first highlighting her recent successes and contributions to the company. "wayactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading