Pawl Definition

pôl
noun
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.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
To stop with a pawl.
Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Pawl

Noun

Singular:
pawl
Plural:
pawls

Origin of Pawl

  • Perhaps variant of pale or pole or from French pal (from Old French pale1)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Perhaps from Low German or Dutch pal.

    From Wiktionary

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pawl