Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas

Windlass Wind"lass, n. [Perhaps from wind to turn + lace.]
             A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course; a shift.

Windlass Wind"lass, v. i.
             To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect
             means. [Obs.] --Hammond.

Windlass Wind"lass, n. [OE. windelas, windas, Icel. vindilass,
vindas, fr. “vinda” to wind + “ass” a pole; cf. Goth. ans a beam.
See Wind to turn.]
             1. A machine for raising weights, consisting of a horizontal
                 cylinder or roller moving on its axis, and turned by a
                 crank, lever, or similar means, so as to wind up a rope
                 or chain attached to the weight. In vessels the windlass
                 is often used instead of the capstan for raising the anchor.
                 It is usually set upon the forecastle, and is worked by
                 hand or steam.
             2. An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass,
                 for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
                 [Obs.] --Shak.

Windlass Wind"lass, v. t. & i.
             To raise with, or as with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
             --The Century.