ratchet wheel

American  

noun

1. a wheel, with teeth on the edge, into which a pawl drops or catches, as to prevent reversal of motion or convert reciprocating motion into rotatory motion.

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Etymology

Origin of ratchet wheel

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

He withdrew his head, and presently the ratchet wheel clicked and slowly, very slowly, Allison began to descend.

From The Jester of St. Timothy's by Pier, Arthur Stanwood

A spring catch kept the ratchet wheel in place at the end of each forward rotation of the wheel by the pawl.

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

Care has to be taken that the pushes of the pall do not cause the ratchet wheel to be impelled too far.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various

There was a moment’s silence, then a sudden clicking of a ratchet wheel, and Allison began to rise rapidly towards the ceiling.

From The Jester of St. Timothy's by Pier, Arthur Stanwood

Simple Device to Prevent a Wheel or Shaft prom Turning Back.—This is a substitute for a pawl and ratchet wheel.

From Practical Mechanics for Boys by Zerbe, James Slough