windlass

noun

Any of numerous hauling or lifting machines consisting essentially of a horizontal cylinder turned by a crank or a motor so that a line attached to the load is wound around the cylinder.

transitive verb

To raise with a windlass.

noun

A hand or power machine for drawing a package of staves together to form a barrel.

To take a circuitous path; fetch a compass.

To adopt a circuitous, artful, or cunning course; use stratagem; act indirectly or warily.

To bend; turn about; bewilder.

noun

A winding or turning; a circuitous course; a circuit.

noun

Any indirect, artful course; circumvention; art and contrivance; subtleties.

To use a windlass; raise something as by a windlass.