Pawl

pawl, n. {Mech.) A short, movable bar, to check the backward revolution of a wheel, windla , etc. a catch, click, detent, or rachet. [W., a pole, stake, bar; L. pal us = E. pale, pole.] Pawn, pawn, Goods, chattels, or money deposited as security for payment of money borrowed a pledge for the fulfillment of a promise.— v. [pawned (pawnd), pawning.] To deposit in pledge, or as security for the payment of money borrowed; to pledge ior the fulfillment of a promise; to stake, wager. [F. pan, a pane, piece, piece of clothing, hence pawn, gage, paner, to seize, to take pledges, fr. L. pannus, cloth, piece; D. pand, G. pfand, a pledge, AS. pening = E. penny, also E. pane. q. v.] —Pawnee', -e', n. One to whom a pawn delivered as security. — Pawn'er, Pawnor', -61'. One who pawns or deposits a pledge. — Pawn'bro'ker, n. One who lends money on pledge, or the deposit of goods.