Windlass,

Windlass, a modification of the wheel and axle, used for raising weights, lifting water from a well, or on shipboard for hoisting the anchor. A usual form is a horizontal beam supported by spindles moving in collars or bushes, and forced round by handspikes inserted in holes in the beam. Pawls acting on a toothed-wheel prevent the beam from slipping. Windlasses are often worked by steam-power.