n. [ Sc. also bratchart; fr. ME. brachet, fr. OF. brachet; ML. brachetus, dim. of brache a hound. See brach. ] a kind of hound; a brach; -- applied contemptuously to a child. See also brach.
The bratchet's bay
From the dark covert drove the prey. Scott, (Marmion, ii. int.). [ Century Dict. 1906 ]
To be plagued with a bratchet whelp -- Whence came ye, my fair-favoured little gossip? . Scott, (Kenilworth, II. xxi). [ Century Dict. 1906 ]
n. [ Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d Ratch, Rack the instrument. ]
Ratchet brace (Mech.),
Ratchet drill,
Ratchet wheel (Mach.),
[ 1913 Webster ]
☞ In the cut, the moving pawl c slides over the teeth in one direction, but in returning, draws the wheel with it, while the pawl d prevents it from turning in the contrary direction. [ 1913 Webster ]