Move by degrees in one direction only (7)

I believe the answer is:

ratchet

(Other definitions for ratchet that I've seen before include "Toothed device allowing unidirectional movement" , "One-way toothed wheel" , "Toothed rack" , "Device preventing turning backwards" , "Bar to fit the notches of a toothed wheel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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