rachet
noun
rach·et
less common spelling of ratchet
1
: a mechanism that consists of a bar or wheel having inclined teeth into which a pawl drops so that motion can be imparted to the wheel or bar, governed, or prevented and that is used in a hand tool (such as a wrench or screwdriver) to allow effective motion in one direction only
2
: a pawl or detent for holding or propelling a toothed wheel
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Foregoing an income levy is a hedge against the upward tax-rate rachet that typically happens.
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The Editorial Board, WSJ, 7 Nov. 2022
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The Editorial Board, WSJ, 7 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Rachet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rachet. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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