RATAPLAN
Ra`ta`plan", n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: The iterative sound of beating a drum, or of a galloping horse.
RATCH
Ratch, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Same as Rotche.
RATCH
Ratch, n. Etym: [See Rack the instrument, Ratchet.]
Defn: A ratchet wheel, or notched bar, with which a pawl or chick works.
RATCHEL
Ratch"el, n.
Defn: Gravelly stone. [Prov. Eng.]
RATCHET Ratch"et, n. Etym: [Properly a diminutive from the same word as rack: cf. F. rochet. See 2d Ratch, Rack the instrument.]
1. A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.