I. noun
also pall or paul ˈpȯl
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps modification of Dutch pal pawl
1. : a pivoted tongue or sliding bolt on one part of a machine that is adapted to fall into notches or interdental spaces on another part (as a ratchet wheel) so as to permit motion in one direction and prevent it in the reverse (as in a capstan or windlass) : catch , detent — see ratchet wheel illustration
2. : a part of a poise of a weighing scale shaped to fit into the notches of a beam bar for the definite positioning of the poise
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to check (as a capstan) by a pawl
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Hindi pāl sail, small tent
: a small double-poled tent with steep sloping sides used in India