A lever or handle for working a machine. The winch of a crossbow (only in phrase bows of brake); hence a crossbow, ballista, or similar engine. Obs…

A device of the nature of a screw or winch for bending a crossbow or catapult. Hence bow (etc.) of vice. Obsolete.

A winch-like contrivance used for bending a crossbow.

A device for bending a crossbow.

A steel lever for bending the crossbow.

Mechanics. A winding mechanism including a toothed wheel and a notched bar acting as a ratchet, used to draw some types of crossbow. Now historical…

A device for levering or lifting thought to resemble the foot of a goat; esp. a device used for drawing a crossbow, consisting of a pair of claws…

The contrivance for drawing up a crossbow; = bender, n. 2. Obsolete.

= gaffle, n. 1. Obsolete.

A mechanical contrivance for bending, ‘drawing up,’ or setting crossbows. Obsolete.

Historical. A lever used for winding a crossbow. Only in modern writers, with erroneous explanation.

Weaponry. A portable apparatus incorporating a windlass, used for bending a crossbow. historical.