pawl-and-ratchet mechanism

  • 1ratchet jack — noun : a jack raised or lowered by means of a pawl and ratchet * * * a screw jack rotated by a ratchet mechanism. [1870 75] …

    Useful english dictionary

  • 2Ratchet — Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A mechanism… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 3Ratchet brace — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 4Ratchet drill — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 5Ratchet wheel — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 6Ratchet (device) — In mechanical engineering, a ratchet is a device that allows linear or rotary motion in only one direction, while preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets are used in many other mechanisms, including clocks, capstans, turnstiles,… …

    Wikipedia

  • 7pawl — 1. noun /pɔːl/ 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. The nails in the rim… …

    Wiktionary

  • 8ratchet — /rach it/, n. 1. a toothed bar with which a pawl engages. 2. (not in technical use) a pawl or the like used with a ratchet or ratchet wheel. 3. a mechanism consisting of such a bar or wheel with the pawl. 4. See ratchet wheel. 5. a steady… …

    Universalium

  • 9ratchet — 1. noun /ˈrætʃɪt/ a) A pawl, click or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. b) A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch and pawl. 2. verb …

    Wiktionary

  • 10ratchet — I. noun also rachet Etymology: alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff more at rock Date: 1654 1. a mechanism that consists of a bar …

    New Collegiate Dictionary