Main Entry:

¹ratch·et

Variant(s):

also rach·et \ˈra-chət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff — more at rock

Date:

1654

1 : a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only 2 : a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel