Word Explorer

Pawl

/pɑl/

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.

📖 Definitions of "Pawl"

noun
  1. 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. 2

    A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.

verb
  1. 1

    To stop with a pawl.

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