Winch
A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the “tension” of a rope or wire rope (also called “cable” or “wire cable”). 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.
Wench (noun)
A girl or young woman, especially a buxom or lively one.
Wench (noun)
A woman servant.
Wench (noun)
A promiscuous woman.
Wench (noun)
A prostitute.
Wench (noun)
A black woman (of any age), especially if in a condition of servitude.
Wench (verb)
To frequent prostitutes; to womanize.
Wench (adjective)
attractive, good-looking
Winch (noun)
A machine consisting of a friction brake or ratchet and electric or hydraulic motor), with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hauling on a rope or cable.
Winch (noun)
A hoisting machine used for loading or discharging cargo, or for hauling in lines. (FM 55-501).
Winch (noun)
A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).
Winch (noun)
A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.
Winch (verb)
To use a winch
“Winch in those sails, lad!”
Winch (verb)
To wince; to shrink
Winch (verb)
To kick with impatience or uneasiness.
Wench (noun)
a girl or young woman
“in the new film about Columbus, she plays the token buxom wench”
Wench (noun)
a prostitute.
Wench (verb)
(of a man) habitually associate with prostitutes.
Winch (noun)
a hauling or lifting device consisting of a rope or chain winding round a horizontal rotating drum, turned typically by a crank or by motor.
Winch (noun)
the reel of a fishing rod.
Winch (noun)
another term for wince
Winch (noun)
the crank of a wheel or axle.
Winch (verb)
hoist or haul with a winch
“an attempt to winch survivors of the wreck into a helicopter”