RATITAE Ra*ti"tæ, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. L. ratis a raft; cf. L. ratitus marked with the figure of a raft.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of birds in which the wings are small, rudimentary, or absent, and the breastbone is destitute of a keel. The ostrich, emu, and apteryx are examples.
RATITATE
Rat"i*tate, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ.
RATITE
Rat"ite, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ.
— n.
Defn: One of the Ratitæ.
RATLINES; RATLINS
Rat"lines, rat"lins, n. pl. Etym: [Of uncertain origin.] (Naut.)
Defn: The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and forming the steps of a rope ladder. [Written also ratlings, and rattlings.] Totten.
RATON
Rat"on, n. Etym: [Cf. Raccoon.]