The windlass is an apparatus for moving heavy weights. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel), which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt. A winch is affixed to one or both ends, and a cable or rope is wound around the winch, pulling a weight attached to the opposite end. The Greek scientist Archimedes was the inventor of the windlass. The oldest depiction of a windlass for raising water can be found in the Book of Agriculture published in 1313 by the Chinese official Wang Zhen of the Yuan Dynasty.
Turnbridge windlass lifting road bridge over Huddersfield Broad Canal
2 Spanish Windlasses on a bunch of sticks, in the starting position and tightened.
A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in or let out or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope or wire rope.
Front of a MAN-based fire engine with a built-in winch, e.g. for towing damaged cars after an accident
Winch used on a fishing boat to bring in nets
Winching a car onto a tow truck
Glider winch. Winch spool can be seen on the side of the truck, while cables to the right of the image are attached to the glider(s) being launched