n. 1. A projection on a machine part, such as a pawl for controlling the motion of a ratchet wheel in a watch escapement, that engages the teeth of a ratchet wheel to convert reciprocating motion to rotary motion or vice versa. 2. A wooden, shovellike potter's tool used for mixing and shaping clay. 3. A metal tool used for printing on book bindings. 4. A fine brush used for taking up and applying gold leaf. 5. A portable platform used for storing or moving cargo or freight. 6. A painter's palette. [Middle English palet, tongue depressor, from Old French palete, small potter's shovel; see PALETTE.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. 1. A narrow hard bed or straw-filled mattress. 2. Chiefly Southern US A temporary bed made from bedding arranged on the floor, especially for a child. [Middle English paillet, from Anglo-Norman, bundle of straw, from paille, straw, from Late Latin palea; see PAILLASSE.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.