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 turned to his taxi-cab and jerked the starting handle violently.

From The Blue Germ by Nicoll, Maurice

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

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

Then I flung myself on the starting handle and worked like a demon.

From Greenmantle by Buchan, John

The Duke's chauffeur jumped into his place again, and, with a twist of the starting handle, the tired motor quivered to its iron entrails.

From The Car of Destiny by Both, Armand

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

From The Happy Foreigner by Bagnold, Enid