pawl : Idioms & Phrases
cross-pawl
Cross"-pawl` noun
Definitions
(Shipbuilding) Same as Cross-spale .
Webster 1913
Pawl bitt
(Naut.) , a heavy timber, set abaft the windlass, to receive the strain of the pawls.
Webster 1913
Pawl rim ∨ ring
(Naut.) , a stationary metallic ring surrounding the base of a capstan, having notches for the pawls to catch in.
Webster 1913
To pawl the capstan
- to drop the pawls so that they will catch in the notches of the pawl ring, and prevent the capstan from turning back.