[pawl] 
| 1. | a pivoted bar adapted to engage with the teeth of a ratchet wheel or the like so as to prevent movement or to impart motion. |
| 2. | to check or hold with a pawl. |
| pawl (pôl) n. A hinged or pivoted device adapted to fit into a notch of a ratchet wheel to impart forward motion or prevent backward motion. [Probably from Dutch pal, from Latin pālus, stake; see pag- in Indo-European roots.] |