I. noun
or rach·et ˈrachə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by ratch ) (V) of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet head of a lance, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko, roccho distaff — more at rock (distaff)
1. : a pawl, click, or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel
2. : a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar or can be governed or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a carpenter's brace or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only ; specifically : a mechanism on a typewriter roll for governing the vertical spacing of the lines
3. : a tool with a toothed blade used to turn the toothed wheels that clamp and release patent blocks or bases in printing
II. verb
( ratchetted ; ratchetted ; ratchetting ; ratchets )
intransitive verb
: to move or operate by a ratchet
transitive verb
: to furnish (as a machine or tool) with a ratchet
III. transitive verb
: to cause to move by steps or degrees — usually used with up or down
inflation ratcheting up the cost of living
ratcheting down the debt
intransitive verb
: to proceed by steps or degrees