pawl po: l; pjl/ n 1 lever with a catch for the teeth of a ratchet wheel or rod, to prevent slipping or movement in the opposite direction. (防止棘齒輪逆轉(zhuǎn)的) 撐手; 倒齒; 爪。 2 short bar used to prevent a capstan or windlass from recoiling. (防止絞盤退轉(zhuǎn)的) 掣轉(zhuǎn)桿。