Pawl, n.

n. [Written also paul.] [W. pawl, a pole, a stake.] (Mech.) A short, movable piece or bar, connected at one end, by a joint, with some part of a machine, while the other end falls into notches or teeth on another part, in such a manner as to permit motion in one direction and prevent it in the reverse, as in a capstan or windlass; a catch, click, detent, or ratchet. [See Illust. of Ratchet-wheel.]