noun.
A catch or lever that locks the movement of one part of a mechanism.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
Anything used to check or prevent motion or approach; a catch; specifically, a pin, stud, or lever forming a check in a clock, watch, tumbler-lock, or other machine.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.
noun.
That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.
verb.
The action of creating a detent mechanism to lock or unlock movement.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward
Word Usage
"Alps Electric Europe is offering a tiny momentary-type push switch with detent, which is ideal for mirror control for power window units and for the switching of electric devices in a motor vehicle."