winch

noun

1. 1

   A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a friction brake or ratchet and pawl, and a crank handle or prime mover (often an electric or hydraulic motor), with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hoisting or hauling on a rope or cable.

2. 2

   A hoisting device used for loading or unloading cargo, or for pulling in lines.

   It runs on clattering steel tracks; the driver sits in a cab over the tracks, operating the controls that rotate the arm and turn the winch.

3. 3

   A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).

4. 4

   A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.

   the mule[…]being likewise frighted by that terrible blow, ran away as fast as it could about the fields, and within two or three winches overthrew him to the ground

5. 5

   slangA witch.

verb

1. 1

   To use a winch

   Winch in those sails, lad!

verb

1. 1

   To wince; to shrink

   It is not the first time a cat-o'-nine-tails has been across my back for other men's misdeeds. Promise me a good flask of brandy when I'm done with it, and I warrant ye I'll never winch.

2. 2

   To kick with impatience or uneasiness.

verb

1. 1

   to court

   They “clicked” each other, kidded each other, and by and by they would “winch” and marry each other.

   It was common knowledge that he'd winched dozens of girls while she had been sharing a bedroom with her two brothers.

2. 2

   to kiss, snog

   She turned and looked at me, amused, gave a wee chuckle, kissed me on the mouth hard and quick, and again, and we were kissing for real, lingering, soft and moist and warm, me and Jeannie winching, and I wanted it not to stop.

   Up at the cinema Campbell Cameron had been all slithering hands, like a dirty octopus. Even his tenderest winching had felt entitled and demanding.

Forms

plural

winches

past tense

winched

past participle

winched

present participle

winching

third person singular

winches