vt to stop with a pawl; to drop the pawls off.
2. pawl ·noun 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.