Winch, n. [OE. winche, AS. wince a winch, a reel to wind thread upon. Cf. Wink.]
1. A crank with a handle, for giving motion to a machine, a grindstone, etc.
2. An instrument with which to turn or strain something forcibly.
3. An axle or drum turned by a crank with a handle, or by power, for raising weights, as from the hold of a ship, from mines, etc.; a windlass.
4. A wince.