rough lock

[ ruhf lok ]

noun

1. a chain, rope, braking shoe, etc., that on a downward slope keeps a wheel from turning, a log from rolling, or a runner from moving; a downhill brake:

   The steep terrain put a harsh strain on the rough lock, but the mules were patient and we got that wagon down all in one piece.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough lock¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

They groped along to the door of the bank shanty, and began fumbling with their wire picks at the rough lock.

From Project Gutenberg

Brit, he reasoned, could not have known before he started that his rough-lock had been tampered with, else he would have fixed it.

From Project Gutenberg

"He'd no business to start down if his rough-lock wasn't all right," he said.

From Project Gutenberg