pawl

n. [ W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. Pole a stake. ] (Mach.) 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. [ Written also paul, or pall. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Pawl bitt (Naut.), a heavy timber, set abaft the windlass, to receive the strain of the pawls. --
Pawl rim or
Pawl ring (Naut.), a stationary metallic ring surrounding the base of a capstan, having notches for the pawls to catch in. [ 1913 Webster ]