The nails in the rim of the wheel went ratcheting over the leather pawl and the wheel slowed and came to a stop and the woman turned to the crowd and smiled.
Wikipedia foundation.
Pawl — Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to permit… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pawl — Pawl, v. t. To stop with a pawl; to drop the pawls off. [1913 Webster] {To pawl the capstan}. See under {Capstan}. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Pawl — may refer to: * A common component of a ratchet * A part of the adjustable height locking mechanism of an extension ladder * Pawl (constructor), a former racing car constructor * A part of a table saw splitter, a safety mechanism designed to… … Wikipedia
pawl — /pawl/, n. 1. 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. to check or hold with a pawl. [1620 30; < D pal ratchet] * * * … Universalium
pawl — [pôl] n. [akin ? to Du pal, pawl, stake, pole] 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: see RATCHET … English World dictionary
pawl — 1620s, of unknown origin … Etymology dictionary
pawl — ► NOUN 1) a pivoted bar or lever whose free end engages with the teeth of a cogwheel or ratchet, allowing it to move or turn in one direction only. 2) each of a set of short stout bars used to prevent a capstan, windlass, or winch from recoiling … English terms dictionary
pawl — noun Etymology: perhaps modification of Dutch pal pawl Date: 1626 a pivoted tongue or sliding bolt on one part of a machine that is adapted to fall into notches or interdental spaces on another part so as to permit motion in only one direction … New Collegiate Dictionary
pawl — /pɔl / (say pawl) noun 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. {? from Dutch pal} …
pawl — [1] A bar, pin, or stud that can be moved, pivoted, or slid into engagement with teeth cut on another part, such as the parking pawl on the automatic transmission that can be slid into contact with teeth on another part to lock the rear wheels.… … Dictionary of automotive terms
