: any of various devices to stop an undesirable motion or action: such as
a
: an attachment for an elevator to prevent accidental falling
b
: a device that closes a supply valve and stops an engine in case of accident to the governor belt
c
: a contrivance to prevent a pulley tackle from overhauling
d
: a device in a lathe to prevent a carriage from colliding with the headstock
e
: a system for stopping trains automatically if they try to pass a stop signal
f
: a stop motion for textile machinery
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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