pawl

UK: /pɔːl/ US: (pôl)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pawl  (pôl), n. 

1. Mechanical Engineering a pivoted bar adapted to engage with the teeth of a ratchet wheel or the like so as to prevent movement or to impart motion.

v.t. 

2. Mechanical Engineering to check or hold with a pawl.

• Dutch pal ratchet
• 1620–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pawl / pɔːl/ noun

1. a pivoted lever shaped to engage with a ratchet wheel to prevent motion in a particular direction

Etymology: 17th Century: perhaps from Dutch pal pawl