pawl

pawl  (pôl)

n.

A hinged or pivoted device adapted to fit into a notch of a ratchet wheel to impart forward motion or prevent backward motion.

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[Probably from Dutch pal, from Latin plus, stake; see pag- in Indo-European roots.]

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pawl

Noun

a pivoted lever shaped to engage with a ratchet to prevent motion in a particular direction [Dutch pal]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

pawl - a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward detent, click, dog catch, stop - a restraint that checks the motion of something; "he used a book as a stop to hold the door open" rachet, ratch, ratchet - mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction