WINDLASS, a machine used to raise huge weights withal, as guns, stones, an hors, &c.
It is very simple, consisting only of an axis, or roller, supported horizontally at the two ends, by two pieces of wood and a pulley: the two pieces of wood meet at top,
being placed diagonally so as to prop each other; the axis, or roller, goes through the two pieces, and turns in them. The pulley is fastened at top where the pieces join. Lastly, there are two staves or handspikes which go through the roller, whereby it is turned, and the rope which comes over the pulley is wound off and on the same.