from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pawl \Pawl\, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.]
(Mach.)
A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine,
adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on
another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to
permit motion in one direction and prevent it in the reverse,
as in a windlass; a catch, click, or detent. See Illust. of
{Ratchet Wheel}. [Written also {paul}, or {pall}.]
[1913 Webster]
{Pawl bitt} (Naut.), a heavy timber, set abaft the windlass,
to receive the strain of the pawls.
{Pawl rim} or {Pawl ring} (Naut.), a stationary metallic ring
surrounding the base of a capstan, having notches for the
pawls to catch in.
[1913 Webster]