Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ratchet
Ratch′et
(-ĕt)
, Noun.
1.
A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
2.
A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See
Ratchet wheel
, below, and 2d Ratch
. Ratchet brace
(Mech.)
, a boring brace, having a ratchet wheel and pawl for rotating the tool by back and forth movements of the brace handle.
– Ratchet drill
, a portable machine for working a drill by hand, consisting of a hand lever carrying at one end a drill holder which is revolved by means of a ratchet wheel and pawl, by swinging the lever back and forth.
– Ratchet wheel
(Mach.)
, a circular wheel having teeth, usually angular, with which a reciprocating pawl engages to turn the wheel forward, or a stationary pawl to hold it from turning backward.
☞ In the cut, the moving pawl c slides over the teeth in one direction, but in returning, draws the wheel with it, while the pawl d prevents it from turning in the contrary direction.
Go,
rate
thy minions, proud, insulting boy! Shakespeare
Conscience is a check to beginners in sin, reclaiming them from it, and
rating
them for it. Barrow.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ratchet
RATCH'ET
,Noun.