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

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 Bagnold, Enid

When all was ready Mr. Barrymore seized the starting handle, and gave it the one vigorous twist which wakes the engine when it is napping.

From My Friend the Chauffeur by Lowenheim, Frederic

Q.--In what way does the starting handle act on the machinery of the engine to set it in motion?

From A Catechism of the Steam Engine by Bourne, John, C.E.

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 Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)