Terminology from the Age of Sail

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Search result for definition: windlass
Windlass: A lifting device, which in its simplest form consists of a horizontal cylindrical barrel on which a rope or anchor cable winds. A manually operated windlass was turned by rods called handspikes, and in later times by one or more cranks. In the 19th century the steam powered windlass made its appearance.

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Steam Windlass at work

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Wooden Handspike Windlass
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