A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.
A similar device to prevent motion in other mechanisms besides ratchets.
verb
(transitive) To stop with a pawl.
plew
plew
noun
(Canada, US) beaver pelt
plow
plow
noun
(American spelling) Alternative spelling of plough
