Why is it called a "windlass"

It's actually an old word originating from the UK meaning a device capable of moving heavy stuff or another term for a winch. In boating a windlass is used for lowering and raising anchors or locks on the land side. See WiKi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windlass
 
quote:
Originally posted by Radioactive

getakey: Remember when a dictionary was a book? ;)

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yeah - when I did not have a cell phone
 
Because your wife/partner objects to being called a "winch".
 
I prefer an anchor wench, myself, but I can see where there could be "problems" with my plan! :)
 
The English word "windlass" is derived from the old Norse words vindáss. Vind means "wind" and áss means "pole." so, it's a winding pole to bring up the anchor.
 
Also, the term is not limited to marine (anchor) application. It can refer to any such "winding pole" to lift heavy objects or for example a well windlass to lift water
 
It's based on the word "wind" (like winding a watch), not "wind" (like blowing air). It's just that it retains the same pronunciation in either form.
 
Okay Okay! We know what it's called and what it is, but we STILL don't know why it's called that!

I sorta think that (depending on how long you'd been at sea) since the original windlass (now called a capstan) looked a bit like a buxom lass, and since she was used to wind up the anchor rode, she got named the wind lass.

This from the same folks who thought manatees were mermaids!

So why is a capstan called a capstan????
 
Here I thought it was make the Lass wind the rope or anchor chain. Dictionary what is that?
Never heard of one which is probably obvious with my numerous spelling mistakes.
Bill
 
I always thought that you needed to place a lass into the wind, to have a properly working windlass....as demonstrated by my lovely assistant, Ginny Fantail:

Note: I will post this demonstration briefly, and will remove it before when the complaints roll in.

Note2: Had a complainer and have removed the pic.
 
Pix reminds me of my wife a few (15) years ago. The big difference was she was a blonde.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Pa Mikee

Pix reminds me of my wife a few (15) years ago. The big difference was she was a blonde.

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Got any pics? Just say'n...in the interest of the topic, of course :)
 
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