Definition of "winding-engine" [winding-engine]

• Any steam-motor employed to turn a drum around which a hoisting-rope is drawn; in a mine, an engine by which the ropes arc wound on and unwound from the drums, for raising or lowering the bucket, kibble, or cage on which the mined material is brought to the surface. Also called drawing-engine and hoisting-engine. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "From the rather dismal rooms at Wragby she heard the rattle-rattle of the screens at the pit, the puff of the winding-engine, the clink-clink of shunting trucks, and the hoarse little whistle of the colliery locomotives."
• "She was startled by the rapid chuff of the winding-engine at the pit, and the sharp whirr of the brakes on the rope as it descended."
• "The old woman continued to muse aloud, a monotonous irritating sound, while Elizabeth thought concentratedly, startled once, when she heard the winding-engine chuff quickly, and the brakes skirr with a shriek."