detent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
    pawl; click; dog.

WordNet

De*tent" noun
Etymology
F. détente, fr. détendre to unbend, relax; pref. dé- (L. dis- or de) + tendre to stretch. See Distend.
Definitions
  1. (Mech.) That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.

Webster 1913