winch /wɪnt͡ʃ/noun 5verb 5forms 3 noun5 •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. •A hoisting device used for loading or unloading cargo, or for pulling in lines.It runs on clattering steel tracks; the driver sits in a cab over the tracks, operating the controls that rotate the arm and turn the winch. — 2013 •A wince (machine used in dyeing or steeping cloth). •A kick, as of an animal, from impatience or uneasiness.the mule[…]being likewise frighted by that terrible blow, ran away as fast as it could about the fields, and within two or three winches overthrew him to the ground — 1612 •(Nigeria, slang) A witch. verb5 •To use a winchWinch in those sails, lad! •(Scotland, informal) to kiss, snogUp at the cinema Campbell Cameron had been all slithering hands, like a dirty octopus. Even his tenderest winching had felt entitled and demanding. — 2020 •(Scotland, informal) to courtThey “clicked” each other, kidded each other, and by and by they would “winch” and marry each other. — 1935 •To wince; to shrinkIt is not the first time a cat-o'-nine-tails has been across my back for other men's misdeeds. Promise me a good flask of brandy when I'm done with it, and I warrant ye I'll never winch. — 1812 •To kick with impatience or uneasiness. formswinched · winching · winches
