Rap, to utter rapidly and vehemently; “he RAPPED out a volley of oaths.”
Rapping, enormous; “a RAPPING big lie.”
Rapscallion, a low tattered wretch—not worth a [RAP].
Raree-show, a collection of curiosities.
Rat, a sneak, an informer, a turn-coat, one who changes his party for interest. The late Sir Robert Peel was called the RAT, or the Tamworth ratcatcher, for altering his views on the Roman Catholic question. From RATS deserting vessels about to sink. The term is often used amongst printers to denote one who works under price. Old cant for a clergyman.
Rat, TO SMELL A, to suspect something, to guess that there is something amiss.
Rather! a ridiculous street exclamation synonymous with yes; “Do you like fried chickens?” “RATHER!” “Are you going out of town?” “RATHER!” Very often pronounced “RAYTHER!”
Rattening, the punishment inflicted on non-unionists by Sheffield grinders, through the instrumentality of “Mary Ann.” See Parliamentary Inquiry Report on the subject.
Rattlecap, an unsteady, volatile person. Generally applied to girls.
Rattler, a cab, coach, or cart.—Old Cant.