pawl

[ pawl ]

noun

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to check or hold with a pawl.

pawl

/ pɔːl /

noun

1. a pivoted lever shaped to engage with a ratchet wheel to prevent motion in a particular direction

Word History and Origins

Origin of pawl¹

First recorded in 1620–30, pawl is from the Dutch word pal ratchet

Word History and Origins

Origin of pawl¹

C17: perhaps from Dutch pal pawl

Example Sentences

The issue is believed to be caused by insufficient lifting force of the parking pawl, a device that locks the transmission.

From New York Times

In June, Nissan issued a separate recall of Titan and Frontier models manufactured between December 2019 and June 2022 “due to potential non-engagement of the parking pawl,” the administration report said.

From New York Times

“If the parking pawl does not engage, an affected vehicle may move after placing the shifter into ‘Park,’” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report said.

From New York Times

The company says a transmission parking pawl may not engage when the trucks are shifted into park.

From Seattle Times

The pawl stops the trucks from moving.

From Seattle Times