De-tĕnt′, n.
n. [Fr. détente, from Lat. detinere, detentum. See DETAIN.] (Mech.) That which locks or unlocks a movement; especially in clock-work, the stop which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.
n. [Fr. détente, from Lat. detinere, detentum. See DETAIN.] (Mech.) That which locks or unlocks a movement; especially in clock-work, the stop which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.