pawl

Meaning

Noun

1. A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.
2. A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.

Verb

To stop with a pawl.

Synonyms

click

dog

🐕

detent

catch

ratchet

hook

🪝

latch

paul

hitch

jaw

jumper

nail

safety catch

trigger

ungula

toe-nail

locking device

timber hitch

brake ratchet

latch hook

dog catch

locking pawl

retaining pawl

brake latch

stop pawl

lock pawl

holding detent

holding latch

holding down clip

lathc

arresting device

push pawl

backstop

becket

claw

cramp

fang

gaff

gripper

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pɔːl/

Etymology

17th c., perhaps from Low German or Dutch pal (“catch (mechanism)”), or from either French pal (“stake”) or épaule (“shoulder”).