starting handle

American  

noun

British.

1. a crank used to start the motor of an automobile.

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Etymology

Origin of starting handle

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Q.--In what way does the starting handle act on the machinery of the engine to set it in motion?

From A Catechism of the Steam Engine by Bourne, John, C.E.

Then she heard the two men working, tools clattering, murmured voices, and in ten minutes Foss said: "Try the starting handle."

From The Happy Foreigner by Bagnold, Enid

It is used to change the reciprocating movement of the piston into a rotary motion of the flywheel; it has a starting handle at one end and the flywheel at the other, as you observe.

From Believe You Me! by Putnam, Nina Wilcox

"Eh va bene", he murmured through closed lips, and leaned forward grimly for the starting handle.

From Sea and Sardinia by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

He opened the bonnet, stared a second, then tried the starting handle.

From The Happy Foreigner by Bagnold, Enid