Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
WINCH
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English winche roller, reel, from Old English wince; akin to Old English wincian to wink Date: before 12th century any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling, a crank with a handle for giving motion to a machine (as a grindstone),
II. transitive verb
Date: 1529
to hoist or haul with or as if with a winch, wincher noun