Pawl

Definitions

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.

Equivalents

Examples

“A pawl is a sort⟳ of catch⟳ that fits into a ratchet wheel and pushes it around, or it may be used as a catch⟳ to prevent⟳ the backward motion of a windlass or the wheel on a derrick.”

“The nails in the rim of the wheel went ratcheting over the leather pawl and the wheel slowed and came to a stop⟳ and the woman turned to the crowd and smiled.”

CEFR level