a mechanical device allowing rotation in only one direction: one type consists of a hinged tongue, the tip of which engages the notches of a ratchet wheel, preventing backward motion
Origin:
akin ? to Du pal, pawl, stake, pole
See pawl in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A hinged or pivoted device adapted to fit into a notch of a ratchet wheel to impart forward motion or prevent backward motion.
Origin:
Origin: Probably from Dutch pal
Origin: , from Latin pālus, stake; see pag- in Indo-European roots