pawl
1Pawl — Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to permit… …
2Pawl — Pawl, v. t. To stop with a pawl; to drop the pawls off. [1913 Webster] {To pawl the capstan}. See under {Capstan}. [1913 Webster] …
3Pawl — may refer to: * A common component of a ratchet * A part of the adjustable height locking mechanism of an extension ladder * Pawl (constructor), a former racing car constructor * A part of a table saw splitter, a safety mechanism designed to… …
4pawl — /pawl/, n. 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. v.t. 2. to check or hold with a pawl. [1620 30; < D pal ratchet] * * * …
5pawl — [pôl] n. [akin ? to Du pal, pawl, stake, pole] a mechanical device allowing rotation in only one direction: one type consists of a hinged tongue, the tip of which engages the notches of a ratchet wheel, preventing backward motion: see RATCHET …
6pawl — 1620s, of unknown origin …
7pawl — ► NOUN 1) a pivoted bar or lever whose free end engages with the teeth of a cogwheel or ratchet, allowing it to move or turn in one direction only. 2) each of a set of short stout bars used to prevent a capstan, windlass, or winch from recoiling …
8pawl — 1. noun /pɔːl/ 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. The nails in the rim… …
9pawl — noun Etymology: perhaps modification of Dutch pal pawl Date: 1626 a pivoted tongue or sliding bolt on one part of a machine that is adapted to fall into notches or interdental spaces on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction …
10pawl — /pɔl / (say pawl) noun 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. {? from Dutch pal} …
