a mechanism consisting of an escape wheel and anchor, used in timepieces to provide periodic impulses to the pendulum or balance
2.
any similar mechanism that regulates movement, usually consisting of toothed wheels engaged by rocking levers
3.
(in a piano) the mechanism that allows the hammer to clear the string after striking, so that the string can vibrate
4.
an overflow channel
5. rare
an act or means of escaping
escapement in American English
(ɛˈskeɪpmənt; ɪˈskeɪpmənt)
noun
1. Rare
the action of escaping or a means of escape
2.
the part in a mechanical clock or watch that controls the speed and regularity of the balance wheel or pendulum, and thereby of the entire mechanism, by the movement of a notched wheel (escape wheel), one tooth of which is permitted to escape from the detaining catch at a time
3.
a ratchet mechanism, esp. one in typewriters that regulates the horizontal movement of the carriage