pawl

American  

[pawl] / pɔl /

noun

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to check or hold with a pawl.

pawl British  

/ pɔːl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pawl

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

Example Sentences

“If the parking pawl does not engage, an affected vehicle may move after placing the shifter into ‘Park,’” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report said.

From New York Times • Sep. 19, 2022

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 • Sep. 19, 2022

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2022

Tesla proposed an electronic parking brake because the company had experienced difficulties with the pawl it used when developing the Roadster, one person says.

From BusinessWeek • Aug. 7, 2014

By this adjustment the extent of the vertical travel of the impelling pawl was regulated to control the length of the stitch.

From The Invention of the Sewing Machine by Cooper, Grace Rogers