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

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

\Wind"lass\, n. [OE. windelas, windas, Icel.
vindil[=a]ss, vind[=a]s, fr. vinda to wind + [=a]ss 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.
{Chinese windlass}. See {Differential windlass}, under
   {Differential}.

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