Raby (The Rose of), the mother of Richard III. She was Cecily, daughter of Ralph Nevyll de Raby, first earl of Westmoreland. Her husband was Richard, duke of York, who was slain at the battle of Wakefield in 1460. She died 1495.
Rachael, a servant-girl at Lady Peveril’s of the Peak.—Sir W. Scott, Peveril of the Peak (time, Charles II.).
Rachael (2 syl.), one of the “hands” in Bounderby’s mill at Coketown. She loved Stephen Blackpool, and was greatly beloved by him in return; but Stephen was married to a worthless drunkard. After the death of Stephen, Rachael watched over the good-for-nothing young widow, and befriended her.—C. Dickens, Hard Times (1854).
Rachel Ffrench, beautiful daughter of Haworth’s unworthy partner in the iron business. Haworth loves her, as does Murdoch, a young inventor who rises fast in Haworth’s employ. She seems to vacillate between the two men, but really loves Murdoch, although pride will not let her avow it. When he is on the point of embarking to America, with an assured future, she confesses all, only to learn from him that “it is all over.” Yet, in looking back at her “dark young face turned seaward” as his ship moves away, he mutters, “When I return it will be to you.”—Frances Hodgson Burnett, Haworth’s (1879).
Racine of Italy (The), Metastasio (1698-1782).
Racine of Music (The), Antonio Gaspare Sacchini, of Naples (1735-1786).
Racket (Sir Charles), a young man of fashion, who married the daughter of a wealthy London merchant. In the third week of the honeymoon Sir Charles paid his father-in-law a visit, and quarrelled with his bride about a game of whist. The lady affirmed that Sir Charles ought to have played a diamond instead of a club. Sir Charles grew furious, and resolved upon a divorce; but the quarrel was adjusted, and Sir Charles ended by saying, “You may be as wrong as you please, but I’ll be cursed if I ever endeavor to set you right again.”
Lady Racket, wife of Sir Charles, and elder daughter of Mr. Drugget.—Murphy, Three Weeks after Marriage (1776).
Racket (Widow), a sprightly, good-natured widow and woman of fashion.
A coquette, a wit, and a fine lady.—Mrs. Cowley, The Belle’s Stratagem, ii. 1 (1780).