Definition of "winch" in English

noun

1. A machine consisting of a drum on an axle, a friction brake or ratchet and pawl, and a crank handle or prime mover (often an electric or hydraulic motor), with or without gearing, to give increased mechanical advantage when hoisting or hauling on a rope or cable.

2. (nautical) A hoisting device used for loading or unloading cargo, or for pulling in lines.

3. A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth).

4. A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.

5. (Nigeria, slang) A witch.

verb

1. To use a winch

   • Winch in those sails, lad!

verb

1. To wince; to shrink

2. To kick with impatience or uneasiness.

verb

1. (Scotland, colloquial, ambitransitive) to court

2. (Scotland, colloquial, ambitransitive) to kiss, snog