[ˈratʃɪt], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a device consisting of a bar or wheel with a set of angled teeth in which a cog or tooth engages, allowing motion in one direction only
(e.g: a ratchet screwdriver)

- a situation or process that is perceived to be changing in a series of irreversible steps
(e.g: the upward ratchet of property taxes)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century: from French rochet, originally denoting a blunt lance head, later in the sense ‘bobbin, ratchet’; related to the base of archaic rock ‘quantity of wool on a distaff for spinning’

[ˈratʃɪt], (Verb)

Definitions:
- operate by means of a ratchet
(e.g: a ratcheted quick release system)

- cause something to rise or fall as a step in a steady and irreversible process
(e.g: the Bank of Japan ratcheted up interest rates again)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 17th century: from French rochet, originally denoting a blunt lance head, later in the sense ‘bobbin, ratchet’; related to the base of archaic rock ‘quantity of wool on a distaff for spinning’

[ˈratʃɪt], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- (especially in African American usage) unattractively coarse, disreputable, or unfashionable (typically used of a woman)
(e.g: she looks so ratchet in that dress)


Phrases:

Origin:
1990s: perhaps derived from wretched or possibly from ratshit