- mechanical device - Part of a ratchet - Pivoted bar - 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. - To stop with a pawl; to drop the pawls off.