pawl

[ pawl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

pawl

/ pɔːl /

a pivoted lever shaped to engage with a ratchet wheel to prevent motion in a particular direction

Origin of pawl¹

First recorded in 1620–30, pawl is from the Dutch word pal ratchet

Origin of pawl¹

C17: perhaps from Dutch pal pawl

When the tympanum vibrates under the influence of the voice, the stylus acts as a pawl and turns a ratchet-wheel.

A table was fixed between the fore-mast and the windlass pawl-post, and lockers ran around the lower-bunks and were used as seats.

Pauldron, pawl′dron, n. a separable shoulder-plate in medieval armour.

An' this ratchet-wheel isn't on the pawl prop'ly—not like what this book says it ought to be.

On the lower horizontal roller carrying the supply of paper is a ratchet and pawl movement, actuated by a solenoid.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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