Webster's English Dictionary

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ratchet

ratch.et \'rach-*t\ n [alter. of earlier rochet, fr. F, alter. of MF 
   rocquet lance head,]of Gmc origin; akin to OHG rocko distaff - more at ROCK 
   1: a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into w 
   hich 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 brace or 
   screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only 2: a pair or 
   detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel