hand brake

noun

1. a brake operated by a hand lever. Compare caliper ( def 6 ).
2. (in an automobile) an emergency or parking brake operated by a hand lever.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hand brake¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The thought of adding a half dozen nations much poorer than almost all current members has several already grabbing for the hand brake.

From Seattle Times

Without the locomotive’s power, the train’s separate air braking system gradually lost its force, compounding the insufficiency in engaged hand brakes and setting the train free.

From New York Times

The company said it was voluntarily recalling this line of strollers, which have an extendable canopy with a mesh window and a zipper pocket, disc hand brakes and an adjustable handlebar with a wrist strap.

From New York Times

The lawsuit suggests that the brake configuration on the RadRunner caused the e-bike to “wobble” and shake when Molly’s friend pulled on the front hand brake.

From Los Angeles Times

She squeezed the hand brakes as hard as she could, but the rickshaw seemed to pick up speed instead of slowing down.

From Literature