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 Washington Times

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

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

After passengers were evacuated, an attempt to tow the train to a rail yard resulted in it rolling 137 feet before a worker was able to apply a hand brake.

From Washington Post

At that point, the disabled train rolled 137 feet before a Metro worker could apply a hand brake to stop it.

From Washington Post