Ratchet — Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A mechanism… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Ratchet brace — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Ratchet drill — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Ratchet wheel — Ratchet Ratch et ( [e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d {Ratch}, {Rack} the instrument.] 1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. A… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
ratchet — ► NOUN ▪ a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a pawl, cog, or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only. ► VERB (ratcheted, ratcheting) 1) operate by means of a ratchet. 2) (ratchet up/down) cause… … English terms dictionary
ratchet — [rach′it] n. [earlier rochet < Fr, lance head, distaff < It rocchetto, bobbin, spindle, dim. of rocca, distaff < Goth * rukka, akin to OHG roccho, spindle, distaff < IE base * ruk(k) , spun yarn] 1. a toothed wheel (in full ratchet… … English World dictionary
ratchet bar — ratchet bar, a bar with pegs or teeth to hold against a ratchet wheel; rack … Useful english dictionary
Ratchet (device) — In mechanical engineering, a ratchet is a device that allows linear or rotary motion in only one direction, while preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets are used in many other mechanisms, including clocks, capstans, turnstiles,… … Wikipedia
ratchet — [[t]ræ̱tʃɪt[/t]] ratchets, ratcheting, ratcheted 1) N COUNT In a tool or machine, a ratchet is a wheel or bar with sloping teeth, which can move only in one direction, because a piece of metal stops the teeth from moving backwards. The chair has… … English dictionary
ratchet — /rach it/, n. 1. a toothed bar with which a pawl engages. 2. (not in technical use) a pawl or the like used with a ratchet or ratchet wheel. 3. a mechanism consisting of such a bar or wheel with the pawl. 4. See ratchet wheel. 5. a steady… … Universalium
ratchet — [17] Ratchet was originally acquired, in the form rochet, from French rochet. This was a diminutive form descended ultimately from Frankish *rokko ‘spool’, which is related to English rocket. The notion of having teeth, which is central to the… … The Hutchinson dictionary of word origins