starting handle

American  

noun

British.

1. a crank used to start the motor of an automobile.

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Etymology

Origin of starting handle

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

starting handle

"Some sort of a blow-out," answered Tom ruefully, as he shoved the starting handle over, trying to move the car.

From Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout, or, the Speediest Car on the Road by Victor [pseud.] Appleton

"You've always got to turn that switch first, before you turn the starting handle," explained Jack.

From Dick Hamilton's Airship, or, a Young Millionaire in the Clouds by Howard Roger Garis

They were on the point of starting, the chauffeur with his hand upon the starting handle, French with the steering wheel of the police car already in his hand.

From The Black Box by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim

"I bet you don't get any one to do that for you in your army, do you?" he asked, as he straightened himself from the starting handle.

From The Happy Foreigner by Enid Bagnold

Then she heard the two men working, tools clattering, murmured voices, and in ten minutes Foss said: "Try the starting handle."

From The Happy Foreigner by Enid Bagnold