Definition of ratchets:
(n) :
A ratchet wrench.
(n) :
A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch and pawl.
(n) :
A pawl, click, or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
(n) :
(by extension) A procedure or regulation that goes in one direction, usually up.
(v) :
(intransitive) To increment or decrement; especially, to offer controlled motion that can increment while resisting decrement, or vice versa.
(v) :
(transitive) To cause (something) to become incremented or decremented.