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

He opened the bonnet, stared a second, then tried the starting handle.

From The Happy Foreigner by Bagnold, Enid

"Eh va bene", he murmured through closed lips, and leaned forward grimly for the starting handle.

From Sea and Sardinia by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

He laughed, suddenly giving up all attempt at responsibility, and bent to catch her starting handle.

From The Happy Foreigner by Bagnold, Enid

"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 Bagnold, Enid

Twenty times he turned the "starting handle," but "she wouldn't speak!"

From The Best British Short Stories of 1922 by Cournos, John