pawl

American

[pawl] / pɔl /

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.

verb (used with object)

to check or hold with a pawl.

pawl British

/ pɔːl /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pawl

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The issue is believed to be caused by insufficient lifting force of the parking pawl, a device that locks the transmission.

From New York Times

The company says a transmission parking pawl may not engage when the trucks are shifted into park.

From Seattle Times

The company said Wednesday the previous door latch recalls were done because of defective pawl spring tabs that could crack and fail in high temperatures.

From Fox News

According to the company, the pawl on the Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton and 6 Ton Heavy Duty Steel Jack Stands may disengage from the lifting post if the weight shifts, allowing the post to drop.

From Fox News

Ford says the trucks may not have a third pawl needed for seat strength, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023