Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: French
Origin: rochet, from Old French rocquet 'point of a spear'

ratchet

1 noun
     
NEW! See related topics: MECHANICAL
ratch‧et1 [countable]
TEM a machine part consisting of a wheel or bar with teeth on it, which allows movement in only one direction
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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