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.
v.
ratch·et·ed, ratch·et·ing, ratch·ets
v.
tr. To cause to increase or decrease by increments: "Some companies . . . may make things worse if they seek to ratchet down their medical expenses by limiting benefits for psychological or psychiatric care"(Newsweek). v.
intr. To increase or decrease by increments.
[French rochet, from Old French rocquet, head of a lance (from the shape of the teeth), of Germanic origin.]
[rach-it] 
