ratchet
    n 1: mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack
         engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one
         direction [syn: ratchet, rachet, ratch]
    v 1: move by degrees in one direction only; "a ratcheting
         lopping tool" [syn: ratchet, rachet up, ratchet down]

Ratchet \Ratch"et\ (-[e^]t), n. [Properly a diminutive from the
   same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d Ratch, Rack the
   instrument.]
   1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a
      ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
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   2. A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and
      pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d Ratch.
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   Ratchet brace (Mech.), a boring brace, having a ratchet
      wheel and pawl for rotating the tool by back and forth
      movements of the brace handle.

   Ratchet drill, a portable machine for working a drill by
      hand, consisting of a hand lever carrying at one end a
      drill holder which is revolved by means of a ratchet wheel
      and pawl, by swinging the lever back and forth.

   Ratchet wheel (Mach.), a circular wheel having teeth,
      usually angular, with which a reciprocating pawl engages
      to turn the wheel forward, or a stationary pawl to hold it
      from turning backward.
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   Note: In the cut, the moving pawl c slides over the teeth in
         one direction, but in returning, draws the wheel with
         it, while the pawl d prevents it from turning in the
         contrary direction.
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