What does Winch mean?
Meaning of "Winch"
A hoisting or pulling machine fitted with a horizontali single or double srum. A small drum is generally fitted on one or both ends of the shaft supporting the hoisting drum. These small drums are called gypsides, niggerheads, or winch heads. The hoisting drums either are fitted with a friction brake or are directly keyed to the shaft. The driving power is usually steam or electricity but hand power is also used. A winch is used principally for the purpose of handling, hoisting, and lowering cargo from a dock or lighter to the hold of a ship and vice versa.