Raking, a. An operation performed on a horse.
Raking.—This consists in introducing the hand into the horse’s rectum, and drawing out any hardened dung that may be there. It may be necessary in costiveness or fever, if a clyster pipe cannot be obtained; but an injection will better effect the purpose, and with less inconvenience to the animal. The introduction of the hand into the rectum is, however, useful to ascertain the existence of stone in the bladder, or the degree of distension of the bladder in suppression of urine, for the bladder will be easily felt below the gut; and at the same time, by the heat of the intestine, the degree of inflammation in it or in the bladder may be detected.—Blaine.
Ram, s. A male sheep.
Rammer, s. An instrument with which anything is driven hard; the stick with which the charge is forced into the gun.
Rana, s. That class of animals in the Linnæan system to which the frog and the toad belong.
Random, a. Done by chance, roving without direction.
Range, v. To place in order; to pass over; to rove at large.
Range, s. Anything placed in a line; excursion; room for excursion; compass taken in by anything excursive; line of a shot.
Ranger, s. One that ranges; a rover; a dog that beats the ground; one whose business it is to rechase the wild beasts from the purlieus of the forest, and to present offences within the forest.
Rapacious, a. Given to plunder, seizing by violence.