chinese windlass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical, historical, literary
Quick answer
What does “chinese windlass” mean?
A simple mechanical device for hoisting or pulling, consisting of a vertical drum turned by hand, around which a rope is wound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A simple mechanical device for hoisting or pulling, consisting of a vertical drum turned by hand, around which a rope is wound; a winch.
Historically, it can refer to a specific type of lifting mechanism, often improvised, using a horizontal axle turned by hand spikes to wind a rope. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a laborious, repetitive, or inefficient process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
May carry a slightly antique or quaint connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, found primarily in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “chinese windlass” in a Sentence
[Subject] used/operated a Chinese windlass to [verb] [object].The [object] was lifted/hauled by/with a Chinese windlass.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chinese windlass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They had to Chinese-windlass the crate up from the cellar, a tedious process.
- The crew Chinese-windlassed the anchor manually.
American English
- They had to Chinese-windlass the crate up from the basement, a slow process.
- The crew Chinese-windlassed the anchor by hand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or engineering history papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically by someone familiar with the term.
Technical
Used in descriptions of traditional mechanics, survival skills, or historical reconstruction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinese windlass”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinese windlass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinese windlass”
- Confusing it with a 'Chinese finger trap' (a toy).
- Using it as a general term for any modern winch.
- Capitalising 'chinese' when it is not referring specifically to China.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The origin of the name is unclear. It may refer to a specific design attributed to Chinese engineering, or it may simply be an exonym for a generic, simple windlass used in the West.
A windlass typically has a horizontal axle (like a Chinese windlass), while a capstan has a vertical axle. Both are used for winding rope or cable.
No, it is considered a historical or descriptive term. Modern equivalents are called winches, hoists, or capstans.
Yes, it can metaphorically describe a slow, labor-intensive, and inefficient process where much effort yields little result.
A simple mechanical device for hoisting or pulling, consisting of a vertical drum turned by hand, around which a rope is wound.
Chinese windlass is usually technical, historical, literary in register.
Chinese windlass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˌniːz ˈwɪndləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˌniz ˈwɪndləs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like a Chinese windlass—endless turning for little gain.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ancient Chinese sailors winding a LASS (rope) around a drum in the WIND to lift a heavy anchor.
Conceptual Metaphor
INEFFICIENT LABOUR IS A CHINESE WINDLASS (turning a lot for little progress).
Practice
Quiz
A 'Chinese windlass' is best described as: