[ pɔ:l ]
■ noun
1》 a pivoted curved bar or lever whose free end engages with the teeth of a cogwheel or ratchet so that the wheel or ratchet can only turn or move one way.
2》 each of a set of short stout bars that by engaging with the whelps prevent a capstan, windlass, or winch from recoiling.
Origin
C17: perh. from Low Ger. and Du. pal (rel. to pal 'fixed').