why do they call it a ratchet??

Rachet - put in the context of a hand-tool or mechanical device, has French(rochet) and Latin (rochettum) roots and was originally used for a bobbin used on a machine for making cloth and fabric.

Many of the mechanical terms used today got their start with parts of saw and grist mills - since they were once high-tech.

Part of my family from southern France is named "Bielle" - which now means "connecting rod" in French. Originally, "bielle" was a pitman arm in a water-power saw.

"alter. of earlier rochet, fr. F, alter. of MF rocquet lance head of Gmc origin; akin to OHG rocko distaff -- more at ROCK"

So that would mean it comes from the French word for lance head, presumably because the ratchet pawl looks like a lance head.

But wait: two entries up is ratch, which it gives as a synonym for ratchet:

"G ratsche, fr. ratschen to rattle, fr. MHG ratzen; akin to MHG razzeln to rattle"

So it sounds like Webster couldn't decide if the word comes from the French word for "lance head" or the German word for "rattle". So take your pick.

That's according to Mr. Webster.So you have an item built to this principle.

Cuz it would sound funny if they called it a mouseshit