Obs. [f. WINDLASS sb.2] a. trans. (fig.) To decoy or ensnare. b. intr. To ‘fetch a windlass,’ make a circuit; fig. to act circuitously or craftily. Hence Windlassing vbl. sb.1
a. 1586. Sidney, Astr. & Stella, xxi. My young mind…, whom Loue doth windlas so; That mine owne writings … show My wits quicke in vaine thoughts, in vertue lame.
a. 1660. Hammond, Serm., Esek. xvi. 30 (1664), 12. She is not at so much leasure as to windlace, or use craft to satisfie them; she goes downright a woing. Ibid., Luke xviii. 11, 131. A skilful woods-man, that by wind-lassing presently gets a shoot.
