I. noun
also rach·et ˈra-chət
Etymology: alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff — more at rock
Date: 1654
1. : 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, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2. : a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel
II. verb
also rachet
Date: 1972
transitive verb
: to cause to move by steps or degrees — usually used with up or down
tried to ratchet down the debt
intransitive verb
: to proceed by steps or degrees