Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A form of winch or hoisting-apparatus in which rotatory motion is imparted to the winding axle from the piston-rod of a steam-engine, directly, or indirectly by means of bevel-gearing, the direct action giving most rapidity, the indirect most power.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • It was suitable for depths up to six thousand fathoms, being fitted with a grooved wheel so as to be driven by a rope belt from a steam-winch or other engine.

    The Home of the Blizzard Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914

  • Before a steam-winch** was installed, the anchor could be raised only by means of an antiquated man-power lever-windlass.

    The Home of the Blizzard Being the Story of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-1914

  • Compared to the excitement of the chase in the open boat this seemed very tame to Colin, and he said so to the captain, when he went aft, while the steam-winch gradually drew up the finback whose end had come so suddenly.

    The Boy With the U. S. Fisheries

  • Our steam-winch began to bang its cogs in the heavy work of lifting the net.

    London River

  • The steam-winch rattled and began to haul up the anchor, while the water whirled at the stern as the vessel made a turn.

    Banzai! by Parabellum

  • Here, too, is a Messagerie boat, the French ensign drooping daintily over her stern, and her steam whistle screeching a warning to some obstinate lighters, crawling with their burden of coal to a grimy collier whose steam-winch is whizzing away like a corncrake of the deep.

    The Firm of Girdlestone

  • He tightened the girth with a pull that made the roan mare wonder if a steam-winch had hold of the end, and then had the pleasure of the little foot being placed in his hand for a moment, as he lifted the girl into the saddle.

    The Honorable Peter Stirling and What People Thought of Him

  • He tightened the girth with a pull that made the roan mare wonder if a steam-winch had hold of the end, and then had the pleasure of the little foot being placed in his hand for a moment, as he lifted the girl into the saddle.

    The Honorable Peter Stirling and What People Thought of Him

  • Presently the jerk and clink of the steam-winch told that the anchor was being got home.

    Roden's Corner

  • Indeed, only with a steam-winch and a good many men to handle her, could she have been got down there; and the first of my uncomfortable thoughts about her, of the many that I had first and last, came while

    In the Sargasso Sea A Novel

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