pawl noun & verb. [pɔ:l] Also pall, paul. E17.
[Perh. from Low German, Dutch pal rel. to pal adjective, immobile, fixed: ult. origin unkn.]
A. noun.
1. Nautical. Each of a set of short stout bars that engage with the whelps and prevent a capstan, windlass, or winch from recoiling. E17.

2. A pivoted, usu. curved, bar or lever whose free end engages with the teeth of a cog-wheel or ratchet so that it can only turn or move one way. E18.

Comb.:
pawl-bitt, pawl-post Nautical a strong vertical post in which the pawls of a windlass are fixed; pawl-rim Nautical a notched cast-iron ring for a pawl to catch in.
b. verb.
1. verb trans. Stop or secure by means of a pawl. E18.

2. verb trans. & intrans. fig. (Cause to) stop or cease. colloq. E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲