Elevating device that may go over well (8)

I believe the answer is:

windlass

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'elevating device that' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'go over well' is the wordplay.
'go' becomes 'wind' (winding is a kind of going).
'over well' becomes 'lass' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'wind'+'lass'='WINDLASS'

'may' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for windlass that I've seen before include "Pulling devices of rope or chain wound around axle" , "Dockside winch" , "Ship's winch" , "Drum round which chain is wound for lifting" , "Weight-lifting device" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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