pawl









pawl


noun

  1. a pivoted bar adapted to engage with the teeth of a ratchet wheel or the like so as to prevent movement or to impart motion.

verb (used with object)

  1. to check or hold with a pawl.

noun

  1. a pivoted lever shaped to engage with a ratchet wheel to prevent motion in a particular direction

n.“bar preventing a capstan from recoiling” (nautical) 1620s, of unknown origin; perhaps from French pal “stake” [OED] or épaule “shoulder” [Klein].

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