ratchet

A mechanism consisting of a pawl that engages the sloping teeth of a wheel or bar, permitting motion in one direction only.

The pawl, wheel, or bar of this mechanism.

To cause to increase or decrease by increments.

To increase or decrease by increments.

In printing, a notched straight blade of brass which rotates the pinions attached to the movable clamps of an electrotype plate mounted upon a block.

A detent or pivoted piece designed to fit into the teeth of a ratchet-wheel, permitting the wheel to rotate in one direction, but not in the other.

A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.

A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d Ratch.

a boring brace, having a ratchet wheel and pawl for rotating the tool by back and forth movements of the brace handle.

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.