Definition of "stop-work" []

• A device attached to the barrel of a watch, musical box, etc., to prevent overwinding. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "The Pentagon issued a stop-work order on the alternate strike fighter engine today."
• "Because of damage to neighboring properties, the city has issued a stop-work order, but it has been visibly ignored."
• "The City of Englewood, New Jersey has issued a stop-work order on renovations to the property on which Libyan cutthroat Moammar Gadhafi wants to pitch his tent next month."