Found 2 items, similar to pawl.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: pawl pawl n : a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward [syn: detent, click, dog]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Pawl 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] 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 motion in one direction and prevent it in the reverse, as in a windlass; a catch, click, or detent. See Illust. of Ratchet Wheel. [Written also paul, or pall.] [1913 Webster] Pawl bitt (Naut.), a heavy timber, set abaft the windlass, to receive the strain of the pawls. Pawl rim or Pawl ring (Naut.), a stationary metallic ring surrounding the base of a capstan, having notches for the pawls to catch in. [1913 Webster]