pawl
/pɑl/
noun
- 1
A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.
- 2
A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.
verb
- 1
To stop with a pawl.
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