| Noun | 1. | pawl - a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backwardcatch, stop - a restraint that checks the motion of something; "he used a book as a stop to hold the door open" rachet, ratch, ratchet - mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction | |