Ratchet /(-ĕt)/
Ratch·et
Ratchet
n.
- A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
- A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d Ratch.
Phrases & Compounds
- Ratchet brace
- a boring brace, having a ratchet wheel and pawl for rotating the tool by back and forth movements of the brace handle.
- Ratchet drill
- a portable machine for working a drill by hand, consisting of a hand lever carrying at one end a drill holder which is revolved by means of a ratchet wheel and pawl, by swinging the lever back and forth.
- Ratchet wheel
- a circular wheel having teeth, usually angular, with which a reciprocating pawl engages to turn the wheel forward, or a stationary pawl to hold it from turning backward.