A device for fastening or checking the motion of something, esp. a latch or other mechanism for fastening a door, window, etc.; (sometimes spec.)…

In various technical or mechanical contexts: any narrow, elongated feature or component, esp. one serving a function comparable to that of a finger…

a hook designed to engage with or catch onto another hook, a part of a mechanism, etc.

Mechanics. A projection or tooth acting as a detent, e.g. in a lock or clutch mechanism; a catch which engages the teeth of a ratchet wheel; = pawl…

gen. A stop or catch in a machine which checks or prevents motion, and the removal of which brings some motor at once into action.

A small projecting part in a piece of mechanism: see quot. 1835.

any of various types of lock that make use of a catch or bolt.

a catch which holds the trip or releasing device until it is tripped.

Mechanics. A contrivance that trips (see trip, v. 14); a projecting part of some mechanism which comes into momentary contact with another part so…