rattlen.1
/ˈratl/, U.S. /ˈræd(ə)l/ I. Senses relating to objects or instruments which make a rattling sound.† 3. In plural = wattle n.2 1a. Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.
1. Any of several plants of the related genera Rhinanthus and Pedicularis (family Orobanchaceae), which have seeds that rattle in the capsule when ripe and are chiefly parasitic weeds of meadows and pastures; spec. (a) (in full †mead-rattle, †white-rattle, yellow rattle) cockscomb, R. minor; (b) (in full red rattle) either of the louseworts P. sylvatica and P. palustris. Occasionally also in plural with singular agreement.Frequently with distinguishing word usually denoting the colour of the flowers.mead, marsh red, red, yellow rattle: see the first element.
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the world > plants > particular plants > plants perceived as weeds or harmful plants > weed > [noun] > cock's-comb
yellow rattleOE
coxcomba1500
penny-grassa1500
cockcomb1687
rattlebox1866
fiddle-cases1878
lousewort1901
OE Brussels Gloss. in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 296 Bobonica, hratele.
c1300 in T. Hunt Plant Names Medieval Eng. (1989) 64 [Camepitheos] anglice rachille [prob. read rathille].
a1400 in T. Hunt Plant Names Medieval Eng. (1989) 64 [Camepitheos] rathhele.
1523 in T. Hunt Plant Names Medieval Eng. (1989) 64 [Camepitheos] mederatel or ratyl or fartyng-grasse.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lvi. 516 Yellow Rattel.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Creste au coq, ou, de coq, the hearbe coxcombe, Penie-grasse, yellow and white Rattle.
1677 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Oxford-shire 255 Rattles they hand-weed as soon as in flower.
1756 J. Hill Brit. Herbal 120 We confusedly call two genera in English by the name of rattle, distinguishing them only by epithets taken from the colour of the flower into red and yellow rattle.
1777 J. Lightfoot Flora Scotica I. 322 Yellow-Rattle, or Cock's-Comb. Anglis... The seeds..when ripe, rattle in their capsules, and indicate the time of hay-harvest.
1854 S. Thomson Wanderings among Wild Flowers (ed. 4) iii. 209 We must not overlook the yellow rattle.., for ere long its seeds will be rattling in its seed-vessel.
1880 R. Jefferies Hodge & Masters II. 281 ‘Rattles’ and similar plants destructive to the hay crop.
1911 Times 21 June 7/6 The weed known as yellow rattle, rattles, rattle-grass, cock's-comb and horsepenny is very abundant in some districts this season.
1943 R. Morse Bk. of Wildflowers x. 88 The yellowrattle..is by no means alone in this strange, root-sucking habit... The common redrattle, or lousewort, behaves in a precisely similar way.
1994 Times 2 July (Weekend section) 16/5 The grass sparkles with meadow saxifrage and yellow rattle.
2. † b. figurative. A toy, a plaything; a thing of no importance, a trifle. Obsolete.† d. A dice box. Obsolete.
a. A baby's toy consisting of a container filled with small pellets, which rattles when shaken; (more generally) any similar object which produces a rattling sound. Also: a musical instrument of this type, sometimes used in tribal or spiritual rituals.
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society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > rattles or whirrers > [noun]
hurr1483
hurre-bone1483
rattle1519
rittle-rattle1567
clickets1611
bummer1821
bullroarer1848
thunderer1860
whizzer188.
tick-tack1884
whizzing-stick1890
whizzing-blade1905
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > rattling > that which
rattle1519
rattle-bladder1548
rattler1558
rattle-bag1583
crackle1591
rattlebox1696
cherry-clapper1763
cherry-clack1824
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria xiiii. f. 147 I wyll bye a rattell to styll my baby for cryenge.
1548 W. Patten Exped. Scotl. K viij Great rattels..coouered with old parchement or dooble papers, small stones put in them to make noys, and set vpon the ende of a staff.
1583 H. Howard Defensatiue sig. *iii Like young babies, they regarde..Rattles that can make a kind of hollow sound, more than matters that are sound indeede.
1612 J. Smith Map of Virginia 28 But their chiefe instruments are Rattels made of small gourds or Pumpion shels. Of these they haue Base, Tenor, Countertenor, Meane and Trible.
1641 J. Milton Of Reformation 38 Crosse-jingling periods which..come thwart a setl'd devotion worse then the din of bells, and rattles.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 258. ⁋4 An Entertainment very little above the Rattles of Children.
1798 S. T. Coleridge Fire Famine, & Slaughter in Poems 238 With bones and skulls I made a rattle, To frighten the wolf and carrion crow.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) viii. 74 The spinster aunt trembled, till some pebbles which had accidentally found their way into the large watering-pot, shook like an infant's rattle.
1871 ‘L. Carroll’ Through Looking-glass iv. 85 It's new, I tell you—I bought it yesterday—my nice New Rattle!
1929 Amer. Mercury Jan. 121/1 No hired wet-nurse, however dexterous, can do anything but teach it a few tricks with a rubber teething-ring and a rattle.
1956 M. W. Stearns Story of Jazz (1957) v. 53 The typically African instruments, such as drums, gourd rattles, and scrapers.
1979 J. Halifax Shamanic Voices (1980) i. 27 An ancestral shaman..received the sacred fire rattle and was given instructions about..communication with the supernatural.
1994 Toronto Star 9 July h7/1 Another poster shows a rattle, advising ‘Shake This,’ above a photo of a baby, warning, ‘Never shake this’.
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the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > of little importance or trivial
gnatc1000
ball play?c1225
smalla1250
triflec1290
fly1297
child's gamec1380
motec1390
mitec1400
child's playc1405
trufferyc1429
toyc1450
curiosity1474
fly-winga1500
neither mass nor matins1528
boys' play1538
nugament1543
knack?1544
fable1552
nincety-fincety1566
mouse1584
molehill1590
coot1594
scoff1594
nidgery1611
pin matter1611
triviality1611
minuity1612
feathera1616
fillip1621
rattle1622
fiddlesticka1625
apex1625
rush candle1628
punctilio1631
rushlight1635
notchet1637
peppercorn1638
petty John1640
emptiness1646
fool-fangle1647
nonny-no1652
crepundian1655
fly-biting1659
pushpin1660
whinny-whanny1673
whiffle1680
straw1692
two and a plack1692
fiddle1695
trivial1715
barley-strawa1721
nothingism1742
curse1763
nihility1765
minutia1782
bee's knee1797
minutiae1797
niff-naff1808
playwork1824
floccinaucity1829
trivialism1830
chicken feed1834
nonsensical1842
meemaw1862
infinitesimality1867
pinfall1868
fidfad1875
flummadiddle1882
quantité négligeable1885
quotidian1902
pipsqueak1905
hickey1909
piddle1910
cream puff1920
squat1934
administrivia1937
chickenshit1938
cream puff1938
diddly-squat1963
non-issue1965
Tinkertoy1972
1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 18 I had..put into his head nothing but Hawkes-bells and Rattles: All that he tooke delight in were merry tales, idle jests, and the like vanities.
1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing xxiii. 226 Opinions are the Rattles of immature intellects.
1758 H. Walpole Lett. to H. Mann 9 Sept. (1846) III. 388 A man at whom, in former days, I believe, Mr. Pitt has laughed for loving such rattles as drums and trumpets.
1797 J. Robison Proofs of Conspiracy iii. 273 Weishaupt never liked childrens play. He indulged Philo in it, because he saw him taken with such rattles; but his own projects were dark and solemn.
c. An instrument with a vibrating tongue fixed in a frame, which slips over the teeth of a ratchet wheel and produces a loud raucous sound when whirled around.Formerly used to sound an alarm, or more recently by supporters at sports matches.
ΚΠ
1668 T. St. Serfe Tarugo's Wiles sig. A4 The Poets man takes out a Rattle and whirles it about his Head.
1792 J. Wolcot Acad. Ode in Wks. (1812) II. 509 That instrument the Rattle, That draws the hobbling brother~hood to battle.
1827 E. Mackenzie Descr. & Hist. Acct. Newcastle II. 726 Each watchman is provided with a warm watch-coat, a lanthorn, a rattle.
1866 Mrs. H. Wood St. Martin's Eve xiv His next movement was to..swing the watch round and round after the manner of a rattle.
1895 T. Hardy Jude i. ii. 12 Troutham..again struck Jude on the hind parts with the flat side of Jude's own rattle, till the field echoed with the blows.
1906 H. Strang In Clive's Command 6 Lusty cheers broke from the drier throats outside; caps were waved, rattles whirled.
1946 J. B. Priestley Bright Day x. 299 It was one of those big rowdy revues popular at that time, with..half-tight fat profiteers in the stalls waving rattles.
1989 Guardian Weekly 12 Nov. 12/3 The standard list of football supporting accoutrements—rattle, scarf, flask of half-time Bovril.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > dice-playing > [noun] > dice-box
dice-box1552
dicing-box1571
box1592
casting-box1616
rattlea1732
tat-box1819
a1732 J. Gay Fables (1738) II. xii. 107 When you the pilf'ring rattle shake, Is not your honour too at stake?
1788 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (ed. 2) sig. Z4 Rattle, a dice box.
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the world > animals > birds > parts of or bird defined by > [noun] > neck or throat > appendage or pouch on
wattle1513
gill1596
rattles1611
gorget1703
pouch1774
parapatagium1887
palea1890
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues La barbe d'vn coq, a Cockes rattles, or waddles.
4. In singular and plural. The set of horny, loosely connected rings at the end of a rattlesnake's tail, which make a rattling sound when the tail is vibrated.
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the world > animals > reptiles > order Squamata (lizards and snakes) > suborder Ophidia (snakes) > types of snake > [noun] > family Viperidae (vipers) > subfamily Crotalinae > member of genus Sistrurus > part of
rattle1612
cascabel1758
the world > animals > reptiles > order Squamata (lizards and snakes) > suborder Ophidia (snakes) > types of snake > [noun] > family Viperidae (vipers) > subfamily Crotalinae > genus or member of genus Crotalus > rattlesnake > part of
rattle1612
cascabel1758
1612 J. Smith Map of Virginia 21 Those Rattels..they take from the taile of a snake.
1694 J. Clayton in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 18 126 The young Ones have no Rattles..but they may be known..being very regularly diced or checker'd, black and gray on the backs.
1704 T. Brown Martial iii. xliv. 151 Not snake in tail that carries rattle.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VII. 211 A rattle-snake..reared up, bit his hand, and shook his rattles.
1861 O. W. Holmes Elsie Venner xiii. 146 The long, loud, stinging whirr, as the huge..reptile shook his many-jointed rattle.
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer xvi. 135 Tom would not venture, because he found that in kicking off his trousers he had kicked his string of rattlesnake rattles off his ankle.
1946 D. C. Peattie Road of Naturalist (U.K. ed.) ii. 32 I did not cut the rattles off for trophy; I let him drop into the close green guardianship of the paper-bag bush.
1995 Nature 5 Jan. 26/1 By far the vast majority of snakes lack rattles.
II. Senses relating to sound, speed, noise, or commotion.† 10. U.S. Used as a mild expletive. Obsolete. rare.
5.
a. A rapid succession of short, sharp, percussive sounds.
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the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > rattling
brattle?a1513
rattle?a1513
brittle-brattle1535
rattling1555
rottle1680
brattling1771
tirl1808
rittle-rattle1837
rickle1867
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 155 His birnes brak and maid ane brattill, The sowtaris hors start with the rattill.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) ix. xi. 95 The bustuus body down duschit..Quhil all the erd to granyt with a rattill.
a1610 A. Montgomery Misc. Poems (1887) iii. 29 Quhen with a quhisk sho [sc. Fortune] quhirlis about hir quheill, Rude is that rattill running with a reill.
1709 M. Prior Poems Several Occasions 77 The Rattle Of those confounded Drums.
1790 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 552 As Highland craigs by thunder cleft..Hurl down wi' crashing rattle.
a1806 S. Horsley Serm. (1816) II. xxiii. 245 The sharp rattle of the whirling phaeton, and the graver rumble of the loaded waggon.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. vii. 48 Huge masses of granite..[are] sent bounding down the slope with peal and rattle.
1928 D. H. Lawrence Lady Chatterley's Lover ii. 11 She heard the rattle-rattle of the screens at the pit.
1954 E. Gilmore Me & My Russ. Wife xl. 284 A rattle of applause greeted his gesture.
1973 E. Pace Any War will Do (1974) iii. 189 He heard..no laughter, no rattle of poker chips.
2003 V. O. Carter Such Sweet Thunder 402 He felt his father's gaze and heard..the dull metallic rattle of his belt buckle.
b. A state of uproar, commotion, or boisterous or exuberant activity (also as a mass noun). Also in extended use: energy, vigour, dynamism. Now chiefly U.S.
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society > leisure > social event > a merrymaking or convivial occasion > merrymaking or conviviality > [noun] > noisy or riotous
riotingc1390
revelling1395
revelc1400
revelryc1410
revel-rout?1499
jetting1509
deray?a1513
company keeping1529
banqueting1535
roistingc1560
wassailinga1586
riotise1590
roister-doisterdom1592
reels1603
roaring1617
ranting1633
rattle1688
high jinks1699
roistering1805
spree1808
wassailry1814
revelment1822
Tom and Jerryism1822
spreeing1845
to be on the roister1860
riotousness1882
whoopee1928
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > loudness > confused sound > [noun] > rowdy noise
riotc1440
racket1565
obstreperousness1655
rattle1688
rowdyism1838
rowdy-dow1845
rowdiness1847
rooty-toot1852
racketiness1939
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > confusion or disorder > commotion, disturbance, or disorder > [noun] > (a) noisy
rippit?1507
hubbleshowa1525
burlinga1533
hubble-shubblec1550
burle1563
coil1567
hirdy-girdy1568
riff-raff1582
rut1607
hubbuba1625
clutter1656
sputter1673
splutter1677
rattle1688
rumpus1745
ree-raw1797
bobbery1816
trevally1819
stramash1821
nitty1822
hell's delight1823
pandemonium1827
oration1828
Bob's-a-dying1829
hubbaboo1830
reerie1832
circus1869
tow-row1877
ruaille buaille1885
brouhaha1890
foofaraw1933
bangarang1943
bassa-bassa1956
1688 P. Pett Happy Future State of Eng. 241 The great Controversy about Easter that heretofore put all the World in a Rattle, and almost shook it to pieces.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew at Bustle What a Bustle you make! What a Hurry or Rattle you Cause!
1743 E. Young Complaint: Night the Fifth 39 Think you the Soul, when this Life's Rattles cease, Has nothing of more Manly to succeed?
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 74. ⁋10 She cannot bear a place without some cheerfulness and rattle.
1819 Fatherless Fanny xl. 385 They are equally matched, and both full of rattle, as it is called: he is a keen sportsman, and I understand she attends him in his hunting and shooting expeditions.
1874 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) II. 424 New York was a great rattle, dining and speechifying and being received.
1895 Punch 24 Aug. 93/2 There's one thing, my boy, you carn't borrer, and that is my rattle and go!
1918 E. Pound Henry James in Sel. Ess. (1968) 337 I dare say the snap and rattle of the fun, or much of it, will be only half perceptible to those who do not know both banks of the Atlantic.
1946 A. E. Morgan Beginnings of Mod. Amer. Poetry 25 Daniel is full of rattle and swing.
1988 P. West Place in Flowers where Pollen Rests 268 She was telling him he was full of rattle for one so little.
c. Scottish. A strong pronunciation of the letter r, esp. with a uvular trill; = burr n.6 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > speech sound by manner > [noun] > sonant > liquid > trill > burr
wharling1610
rattle1743
wharl1748
burr1760
whurl1797
birr1837
uvula trill1869
1743 Caledonian Mercury 1 Mar. Love is a Man low statur'd, black hair'd, and has a Rattle in his Speech.
1812 W. Angus Eng. Gram. 343 That boy has a rattle.
1891 W. Grant Anecdotes 101 He had that defect in his speech known as a rattle or burr.
1955 W. P. Milne Eppie Elrick xi. 115 He..spoke with a ‘rattle’ which signifies in our countryside that he could not sound the letter r properly.
d. A coarse bubbling sound in the throat, caused by partial obstruction by bronchial secretions; spec. (a) (in plural) = croup n.2 1 (b) = death rattle n. at death n. Compounds 2 (also figurative). Cf. râle n.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > disordered breathing > [noun] > noisy breathing > hoarseness or croaking in throat > noise due to
ruttle1713
rattle1744
ruckle1815
1744 J. Hempstead Diary 434 A Child..died of the Rattles or Throat Destemper.
1752 G. Berkeley Further Thoughts Tar-water in Wks. (1871) III. 505 Persons have been recovered by tar-water after they had rattles in the throat.
1820 Ld. Dudley Let. 3 Apr. (1840) 244 The monarch is always immortal till the rattles are in his throat.
1848 E. Bulwer-Lytton Harold II. v. v. 42 Godwin..tried to speak, but his voice died in a convulsive rattle.
1898 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. V. 142 The large coarse toneless rattles produced by mucus and air in the trachea and larger bronchi.
1931 H. Broun in J. W. Barrett End of ‘the World’ 218 The curious thing..was the manner in which it became animate just before the final rattle within its throat.
1965 E. H. Flannery Anguish of Jews i. 21 The final rattle of a pagan hatred long since in its death throes.
1998 ‘Avi’ Perloo the Bold vii. 40 Her breathing was slow and irregular, with a hint of painful rattle.
e. A rattling gust of wind.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [noun] > blast or gust of > types of
rebuff1667
thunder-gust?1748
gully-squall1867
rattle1872
sand-blast1898
1872 Hunt's Yachting Mag. Nov. 590 The cruisers caught a swinging fetch out of Kilbrannan Sound, with a rattle of wind that laid them into the rail.
1896 Daily News 10 July 3/6 They came rushing along in a fine rattle of wind.
1960 San Francisco Rev. June 38 His hand flicked down to the bomb door switch, a rattle of wind vibrated in the cockpit, and the cold, cold air of winter crept to them.
1993 M. Z. Bradley Forest House (1995) xxviii. 383 Outside the storm broke with a rattle of wind and a slam of rain.
f. Hunting. A vibrant note sounded on the horn at the kill.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > signals > [noun] > signal on horn
forloinc1369
motec1400
strakea1425
rechasec1425
recopec1425
morta1500
seekc1500
death note1575
recheat1575
gibbet1590
wind1596
relief1602
call1677
stroke1688
gone away1827
rattle1889
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > [noun] > sound of wind instruments > sound of horn
motc1330
windingc1500
gibbet1590
tra-ra1849
rattle1889
1889 Graphic 28 Sept. 392 Sooner or later..the rattle of horns will be heard in the oak coppice..and the stag, the warrantable deer..will be on foot.
1908 L. C. R. Cameron Otters & Otter-hunting 203 Rattle, the note sounded on the horn at the ‘worry’.
1927 H. Williamson Tarka the Otter ii. 35 Then..came the prolonged thin rattle of the horn, and the triumphant whooping of whips and huntsman.
1976 Shooting Times & Country Mag. 16 Dec. 25/2 A rattle on the horn had hounds racing to the spot.
g. Papermaking. The crisp, firm consistency of a sheet of finished paper, which causes it to rustle when handled and is indicative of its hardness and density.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > material for making paper > paper > [noun] > specific qualities of
fabric1758
rattle1900
bulk1903
folding strength1936
wet strength1960
runnability1965
1900 C. F. Cross & E. J. Bevan Text-bk. Paper-making (ed. 2) v. 137 As a consequence, it adds the quality of ‘wetness’ to the pulp, which again confers the quality of hardness and ‘rattle’ upon the finished paper.
1962 F. T. Day Introd. to Paper ii. 24 Starch is added to paper furnishes and..its use imparts stiffness and ‘rattle’ to the finished sheet.
1997 M. B. Cohn tr. C. James et al. Old Master Prints & Drawings xii. 233 Its level of..flexibility, rattle and feel combine to inform us about the condition of a paper.
6.
a. An empty flow (of words); a babble. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > absence of meaning > nonsense, rubbish > empty, idle talk > [noun] > instance of
follyc1300
tittle-tattle1570
nothing1581
tattle1583
rattle1627
stultiloquy1653
pratement1657
hubble-bubble1720
spermology1890
1627 G. Hakewill Apologie iv. iii. 298 All this adoe about the golden age is but an empty rattle & frivolous conceipt.
1755 J. Shebbeare Lydia (1769) II. 193 What a rattle of words, without the least feeling or sentiment, does this letter contain.
a1920 D. H. Lawrence First ‘Women in Love’ (1998) xix. 237 It was all a meaningless rattle, this dissension.
1963 A. Mitra tr. R. Tagore Chaturanga 12 I went up to him and, unintroduced, let off an incoherent rattle. I do not remember what I said.
b. A person who talks incessantly in a lively or inane manner; a constant chatterer.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > loquacity or talkativeness > [noun] > talkative person
chaterestrea1250
jangler1303
babbler1366
blabbererc1375
jangleressc1386
talkerc1386
clatterer1388
cacklera1400
languager1436
carperc1440
mamblerc1450
praterc1500
jackdaw?1520
chewet1546
flibbertigibbet1549
clatterfart1552
patterer1552
piec1557
long tongue?1562
prattler1567
piet1574
twattler1577
brawler1581
nimble-chops1581
pratepie1582
roita1585
whittera1585
full-mouth1589
interprater1591
chatterer1592
pianet1594
bablatrice1595
parakeet1598
Bow-bell cockney1600
prattle-basket1602
bagpipe1603
worder1606
babliaminy1608
chougha1616
gabbler1624
blatterer1627
magpie1632
prate-apace1636
rattlea1637
clack1640
blateroon1647
overtalker1654
prate-roast1671
prattle-box1671
babelard1678
twattle-basket1688
mouth1699
tongue-pad1699
chatterista1704
rattler1709
morologist1727
chatterbox1774
palaverer1788
gabber1792
whitter-whatter1805
slangwhanger1807
nash-gab1816
pump1823
windbag1827
big mouth1834
gasbag1841
chattermag1844
tattle-monger1848
rattletrap1850
gasser1855
mouth almighty1864
clucker1869
talky-talky1869
gabster1870
loudmouth1870
tonguester1871
palaverista1873
mag1876
jawsmith1887
spieler1894
twitterer1895
yabbler1901
wordster1904
poofter1916
blatherer1920
ear-bender1922
burbler1923
woofer1934
ear-basher1944
motormouth1955
yacker1960
yammerer1978
jay-
a1637 B. Jonson Timber 127 in Wks. (1640) III I have met many of these Rattles, that made a noyse, and buz'de.
1716 D. Ryder Diary 17 May (1939) (modernized text) 235 I was vexed to see her so long entertained with such a rattle as he.
1744 E. Haywood Female Spectator I. iv. 208 Neither this old Rattle..nor many others who act in the same manner, ever did a real Hurt to any one.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. x. 173 I paid so little attention to the talk of this rattle.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany ix. 147 My companion turned out to be a lively amusing rattle.
1924 R. Macaulay Orphan Island xiii. 143 I think he must have been a rather agreeable rattle.
1969 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 2 Jan. 3/4 Editor of a biographical history of philosophy yet welcomed as a rattle and raconteur.
1984 H. Spurling Secrets of Woman's Heart 34 Ernest's addiction to writers would have done him no good among Margaret's friends, many of whom in any case dismissed him as a snob and a rattle.
c. Lively talk or gossip; trivial or empty chatter; prattle. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > loquacity or talkativeness > [noun] > chatter
chirma800
clappingc1386
glavera1400
clapa1420
clackc1440
blabc1460
clattera1500
babble?a1525
babblery1532
pratery1533
clitter-clatter1535
by-talk?1551
prattle1555
prittle-prattle1556
twittle-twattle1565
cacquet1567
prate?1574
prattlement1579
babblement1595
gibble-gabble1600
gabble1602
twattlea1639
tolutiloquence1656
pratement1657
gaggle1668
leden1674
cackle1676
twit-twat1677
clash1685
chit-chat1710
chatter-chitter1711
chitter-chatter1712
palavering1732
hubble-bubble1735
palaver1748
rattle1748
gum1751
mag1778
gabber1780
gammon1781
gash1787
chattery1789
gabber1792
whitter-whatter1805
yabble1808
clacket1812
talky-talky1812
potter1818
yatter1827
blue streak1830
gabblement1831
psilologya1834
chin-music1834
patter1841
jaw1842
chatter1851
brabble1861
tongue-work1866
yacker1882
talkee1885
chelp1891
chattermag1895
whitter1897
burble1898
yap1907
clatfart1913
jive1928
logorrhœa1935
waffle1937
yackety-yacking1953
yack1958
yackety-yack1958
motormouth1976
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa III. xx. 127 Sir, said I, I see what a man I am with. Your rattle warns me of the snake.
1780 F. Burney Let. 4 June in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (2003) IV. 141 And gay enough we were, for the careless rattle of Capt. Bouchier [etc.].
1813 J. Adams Wks. (1856) X. 86 If I am not weary of writing, I am sure you must be of reading such incoherent rattle.
1877 S. B. Warner Diana xxix. 292 Mrs. Reverdy's words..had the air of somewhat different from mere aimless rattle or mischievous gossip.
1895 ‘G. Mortimer’ Tales Western Moors 113 Hauld thee rattle, Dan'el.
1916 G. M. Harper William Wordsworth 362 Coleridge's description of the passage sounds like the aimless rattle of a clever boy.
7. † b. A sharp reproof; a scolding; esp. in to give (a person) a rattle. Also with up. Obsolete.
a. Scottish, English regional (northern) and Irish English (northern). A sharp blow; a noisy impact, a crash.
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the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific degree of force > [noun] > a severe blow
rumble1489
revel1603
rattle1632
rebuke1692
twitcher1771
rattler1812
dingbat1843
wiper1846
a sleeve across the windpipe1952
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. i. 33 The woman gaue the Frier such a rattle in the face.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iv. 154 Then hoysing him vp.., they let the rope flee loose, whence downe he falles, with a rattle.
1720 T. Gordon Humourist I. 23 The Majority made such a Rattle on the Boards as quite drown'd the Musick.
1764 T. Bridges Homer Travestie II. 19 With such a rattle from the cart He fell as made the horses start.
1806 J. Black Falls of Clyde 200 I'd gi'e 'm a rattle, I'd break his collar-bane wi' a plough pattle.
?1865 J. A. Ferguson Moudywarp 14 Wi' that hoo gie mi such a rattle on th' nob uz sent mi deawn o' my back.
1892 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 244 He fetched me a rattle i' da sma' o' da back.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 271/2 Rattle,..a blow; a heavy fall.
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the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > [noun] > severe > instance of
choking pear1546
choke-pear1573
a flea in one's ear1577
rattle1652
juniper letter1655
juniper lecture1706
siserary1771
wig1789
a word of a sort1796
rowing1812
wigging1813
sloan1823
scorcher1842
rubdowna1846
tickler1846
slating1881
bawl-out1926
earful1929
caning1933
a kick in the pants1933
rollicking1938
rocket1941
bollocking1946
butt-kicking1970
1652 Perfect Diurnall No. 148. 2208 Its beleeved that this proud and insulting Enemy were never sent home with such a Rattle in their ear before.
a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) ii. 257 Receiving such a rattle for his former Contempt of the Bishop of London.
1679 tr. Trag. Hist. Jetzer 17 At their return he gave them a round rattle, and spared none of his course Eloquence to tell them their own.
1711 Brit. Apollo 30 Mar.–2 Apr. My Wife has given me such a Rattle, that another Peal will rattle all my Brains out of my Head.
1842 C. Ridley Let. in U. Ridley Cecilia (1958) ix. 111 Wells..is tiresome again... I wish I had courage to give her a good rattle, but if I did I think she would not bear it.
1889 R. D. Blackmore Kit & Kitty xxiv. 79/1 Go and give him a good rattle up. He deserves cold victuals, and he shall have nothing else.
8. Newfoundland. A succession of small, noisy waterfalls forming rapids; a small waterfall in the course of a stream. Also: a fast-moving stream.
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the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > system > [noun] > rapids
white water1482
sault1600
shoota1609
stickle1616
swift1661
rift1727
rapid1744
rattle1770
rip1775
riffle1865
spate1884
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > stream > [noun] > torrent
floodc1275
floodgatea1425
waterfall1578
torrent1609
torrent-stream1728
rattle1770
lavant1774
fiumara1820
torrent-flood1825
skookum chuck1888
1770 G. Cartwright Jrnl. 22 Dec. (1792) I. 73 The rattles and rapids in the river are now broken up.
1861 L. De Boilieu Recoll. Labrador Life xiii. 166 In the different bays are brooks, and in these brooks are ‘rattles’, as they are termed, or, more properly speaking, ‘falls’, though none are of any great magnitude.
1907 J. G. Millais Newfoundland iii. 70 We had only to unload twice in passing ‘rattles’, as they called the strong rapids.
1975 Canad. Antiques Collector Mar. 23/1 From the sealhunt we have:..rattle, river rapids, and so on.
1994 Trav. Guide 1994 Newfoundland & Labrador 52/3 Trout and salmon anglers should be prepared to ‘meet their match’ on the many pool steadies, rattles and falls.
9. slang. = rattler n. 2b. rare.
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society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > types of carriage > covered > coach > rattling
rattler1622
rattle1785
rattletrap1822
1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (at cited word) Rattler, rattle and pad; a coach and horses.
c1824 in J. S. Farmer Musa Pedestris (1964) 91 In a rattle sit two blowens flash.
1902 J. S. Farmer & W. E. Henley Slang V. 378/2 Rattle, a coach, cab, or train.
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1790 R. Tyler Contrast v. i. 66 But what the rattle makes you look so tarnation glum?
11. colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.). In plural. Frequently with the. A fit of panic or nerves, esp. one which affects the performance of a sportsperson.
ΚΠ
1888 Cosmopolitan Oct. 452/2 The younger players are not infrequently attacked by what in base-ball vernacular is known as ‘the rattles’, a complaint much akin to what sportsmen call the ‘buck-fever’, and actors ‘stage fright’.
1933 Dunkirk (N.Y.) Evening Observer 1 Nov. 17/2 Four more runs were scored in the eighth, the result of a bad attack of rattles.
1974 E. Bowen Henry & Other Heroes vi. 115 The rancher..was just back from the Battle of Britain bearing..a bad case of the rattles.
2001 Oregonian (Portland, Oregon) (Nexis) 2 Jan. c1 Even opposite a phony Notre Dame ‘contender’ led to slaughter for bowl money, being out there with the words ‘Notre’ and ‘Dame’ supposedly births a case of the rattles.
Phrases
P1. Originally Horse Racing. with a rattle: with a sudden burst of speed. Cf. with a rattler at rattler n. Phrases.
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the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > moving swiftly in specific manner [phrase] > with sudden rapidity
with a rattle1865
1865 Bell's Life in London 3 June 4/2 Longdown, too came with a ‘rattle’ to 12 to 1.
1888 Daily Chron. 10 Dec. 6/2 Bachelor came on with a rattle and won by a length and a half.
1926 Rifle Brigade Chron. for 1925 94 Buxton, who rode a well-judged race, came with a rattle and won the most popular victory of the day.
1977 Evening Gaz. (Middlesbrough) 11 Jan. 13/5 The Merryweather crew came with a rattle to level at the penultimate end 15–15 [in Bowls].
1993 Racing Post 8 Aug. 7/2 But Gondo finished with a tremendous rattle on the stands' rails and failed by only a short head to get up.
P2. Nautical slang. in the rattle: on the commander's report of defaulters; in confinement.
ΚΠ
1914 ‘Bartimeus’ Naval Occasions ii. 10 ‘In the bloomin' rattle, I am,’ explained the disturber of traffic.
1951 H. Hastings Seagulls over Sorrento iii. i, in Plays of Year IV. 74 You ain't gonna put him in the rattle on account of a bit of leg-pull?
1973 ‘B. Mather’ Snowline xviii. 212 The Old Man..let the others out, but..your bloke is back in the rattle.
1999 Irish Times (Nexis) 9 Oct. 6 Magennis returned briefly to the British navy but left in 1949, a period of detention ‘in the rattle’ marring his final weeks of service.
P3. colloquial (chiefly British). to throw one's rattle out of the pram (also cot) and variants: = to throw one's toys out of the pram at toy n. Phrases 3.
ΚΠ
1988 Times 4 Mar. 44/1 Bates was warned for ‘verbal abuse’ of a line judge but Castle was more consistently prone to throw his rattle out of the pram.
1997 Observer (Nexis) 12 Jan. 12 He..is not disposed to undermine the cause by throwing his rattle from the pram.
2000 Truth (Auckland, N.Z.) (Nexis) 3 Mar. 37 He'll throw the rattle out of the cot and blame everyone except himself.
Compounds
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society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > doll > [noun] > rattling doll
rattling baby1592
rattle-baby1601
1601 2nd Pt. Returne from Pernassus i. ii. 155 What new paper hobby horses, what rattle babies are come out in your late May morrice daunce.
1636 T. Heywood Loves Maistresse i, in Wks. (1874) V. 78 Fine little rattle-babies, scarce thus high, Are now call'd wives.
1638 T. Heywood Wise-woman of Hogsdon iii. i. l. 422 Why should I love her, why? A Rattle-Baby, Puppit, a slight toy.
rattle barrel n. now rare a tumbling-box used for cleaning and polishing metal castings.
ΚΠ
a1884 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Suppl. 742/2 Rattle barrel, a tumbling box for castings, to remove sand, and, in some cases, cores.
1884 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 3rd Ser. 252/1 These castings are put into a tumbler or rattle barrel, where they..become polished by mutual friction.
1934 Times 1 Dec. 24/4 Foundry Plant, including:..double worm sand mixer, 29 Rattle Barrels, Git Cutter, Coke Crusher..[etc.].
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the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [noun] > rattling > that which
rattle1519
rattle-bladder1548
rattler1558
rattle-bag1583
crackle1591
rattlebox1696
cherry-clapper1763
cherry-clack1824
1548 W. Patten Exped. Scotl. Pref. sig. c iiij Our consciences, now quite vnclogd from the fear of his vaine terriculaments and rattelbladders.
rattle-bones n. two pieces of bone or ivory held between the fingers of each hand and rattled together as an accompaniment to the banjo or other instrument; cf. bone n.1 19a.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > percussion instrument > [noun] > bones
bone1600
snapper1605
knick-knack1650
marrowbones1714
rattle-bones1819
jawbone1844
knicky-knackers1876
1819 W. Irving Hist. N. Y. (ed. 3) I. iv. vi. 228 A full band of boys..performing on the popular instruments of rattle-bones and clam-shells.
1914 R. Hughes Clipped Wings 70 The meter of the train had hitherto been but a dry, monotonous clickety-click like the rattle bones of a dolorous negro minstrel.
1999 N. Haugerud Jail Stories 74 She told us how, as a little girl, she danced the Irish jig with her father in the barber shop while he played the rattle bones.
rattle-broom n. rare (now historical) any of several plants of the genus Crotalaria (cf. rattlebox n. 2a).
ΚΠ
1698 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 20 324 Finger leaved Malabar Rattle-broom..grows near three Foot high.
1712 Philos. Trans. 1710–12 (Royal Soc.) 27 347 Lupine-leaved Malabar Crotolaria, or Rattle-broom.
1976 Garden Hist. 4 19 He succeeded in raising the Hoary Willow-herb Malatai [read Willow-leaved Malabar] Yellow Rattle-broom (the annual Crotalaria juncea).
rattle bush n. any of several plants of the family Fabaceae ( Leguminosae) having inflated seed pods that rattle when dry; esp. the West Indian Crotalaria incana and wild indigo, Baptisia tinctoria (cf. rattlebox n. 2).
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the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > South American and West Indian trees or shrubs > [noun] > others
persea1601
mahoe1666
poison berry1672
white mangrove1683
maiden plum1696
angelin1704
garlic-pear1725
milkwood-tree1725
Jack-in-the-box1735
cherimoya1736
rattle bush1750
galapee1756
genip1756
lace bark1756
sunfruit1787
wild orange1802
hog-nut1814
mountain pride1814
savannah wattle1814
mora1825
rubber tree1826
mayflower1837
bastard manchineel1838
long john1838
seringa1847
sack tree1849
jumbie tree1860
jumbie bean1862
king-tree1863
gauze-tree1864
mountain green1864
snowdrop tree1864
strong bark1864
switch-sorrel1864
candle-tree1866
maypole1866
angelique1873
poisonwood1884
porkwood1884
1750 G. Hughes Nat. Hist. Barbados 212 The inclosed Peas, when ripe, make a Rattling Noise when shaken by the Wind. From hence they derive the Name of Rattle-Bush, or Shake-Shake.
1848 R. Dunglison Med. Lexicon (ed. 7) 729/1 Rattlebush, Sophora tinctoria.
1879 H. F. A. Eggers Flora of St. Croix (Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. No. 13) 41 Leguminosæ..C. incana..Rattle-bush.
1892 C. F. Millspaugh Medicinal Plants 52-1 Baptisia..wild indigo, dyer's baptisia, horsefly weed, rattle bush.
1983 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald Amer. 12 June (Star Mag.) 8/4 Baptisia—an old reliable plant... Sometimes called a ‘rattle bush’ because dry seeds rattle in the pods.
1993 S. Carrington Wild Plants Barbados 45/2 Crotalaria incana L. Rattle Bush... Tropics and sub-tropics; not common; in sour grass pastures.
rattle-clap n. and adj. (a) n. a rattle; a rattling sound (b) adj. characterized by prattling talk or a rattling sound.In quot. 18601 app: a rattle or other noise-maker used to frighten birds (applied figuratively to a person).
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1860 G. W. S. Piesse Lab. Chem. Wonders p. viii He may have been only a scarecrow or rattle-clap to the birds in his master's corn field.
1860 E. G. Parker Reminisc. of Rufus Choate v. 249 His was a mere fluency, a rattle-clap common English. He never had time, amid his splendid legal accomplishments, to enlarge his vocabulary.
1862 Dwight's Jrnl. Music 20 Dec. 301/2 The Germania last Saturday performed the ‘Consecration of the Flags’ from the Siege of Corinth; a noisy rattle-clap affair.
1969 Clearfield (Pa.) Progress 15 Oct. 4/1 A sudden curve and a rattle clap across a wooden bridge and fields lie checkered with ragged angles.
2003 Home News Tribune (East Brunswick, New Jersey) (Nexis) 17 Aug. a11 To thrive amid the bumper-to-bumper taxicabs, the towering skyscrapers, the funky smells and rattle-clap sounds.
rattle-free adj. that does not produce a rattling sound.
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1921 Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail 12 Oct. 10/4 (advt.) The tight, squeak-free and rattle-free qualities and lively performance of the Essex when new, may be retained throughout the life of the car.
1962 Times 3 May 19/4 It [sc. a car] is impressively quiet throughout..completely rattle-free and draughtproof.
1998 Classic Car Apr. 70/1 Many contemporary ragtops felt floppy compared with the rigid, rattle-free Stag.
rattle-gourd n. a rattle made from a gourd containing peas, beans, pebbles, etc., and used as a musical instrument.
ΚΠ
1791 W. Bartram Trav. N. & S. Carolina 505 The tambour, rattle-gourd, and a kind of flute.
1840 W. Irving Seminoles in Knickerbocker Oct. 341 Having a band of music with them, consisting of a drum, flutes, and a rattle-gourd.
1926 R. Karsten Civilization S. Amer. Indians i. 36 Not only the weapons of the dead chiefs were laid in the grave with them, but also their maracas or rattle-gourds.
1998 Birmingham Post (Nexis) 2 July 14 A tribal ritual formation, clanging cowbells, shaking rattle-gourds, striking skins aggressively.
rattle grass n. (a) any of several kinds of rattle (sense 1) found as weeds in meadows and pastures, esp. (more fully red rattle grass) = red rattle n. (now rare); (b) quaking grass, Briza media.
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the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Scrophulariaceae (figwort and allies) > [noun] > lousewort or red rattle
lousewort1578
rattle grass1578
red rattle1578
mimmulus1633
pipeweed1702
wood betony1886
Indian warrior1897
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. lvi. 515 Rattel grasse..beareth redde flowers, and leaues finely iagged or snipt.
1597 J. Gerard Herball ii. 913 Red Rattle..hath very small, rent, or iagged leaues, of a browne redde colour... It is called..in English Rattle grass, red Rattle grasse, and Lousewoort.
1652 N. Culpeper Eng. Physitian Enlarged 186 Rattle-grass. Of this there are two kindes, which I shall speak of, viz. the red and the yellow... The common red Rattle, hath sundry reddish, hollow stalks, and sometimes green rising from the Roots... The common yellow Rattle hath seldom above one round green stalk [etc.].
1735 W. Ellis Pract. Farming & Husb. 233 The Penny, or Rattle Grass has a Leaf like Wood-bine full of Notches, blows with a yellow Flower, and when that goes off, and its brown Head rattles if shaken, then it's time to mow it.
1855 W. Howitt Land, Labour & Gold I. ix. 165 There is a shrub..something like a chrysanthemum; but is covered with masses of hop-like seed-cases, like those of the rattle-grass (Rhinanthus crista-galli).
1856 W. J. Hooker & T. B. Salter Bromfield's Flora Vectensis 602 B. media..Common Quaking-grass. Quakers... Rattle-grass. Maiden's-hair. Totter-grass.
1911 Times 21 June 7/6 The weed known as yellow rattle, rattles, rattle-grass, cock's-comb and horsepenny is very abundant in some districts this season.
2000 Washington Times (Nexis) 5 Aug. a1 Steer clear of musk thistle, tropical soda apple and puncture vine, not to mention skeletonweed and rattle grass.
rattlejack n. (a) English regional yellow rattle, Rhinanthus minor (cf. sense 1) (rare); (b) shaly coal; also in plural (now rare).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > fuel > coal or types of coal > [noun]
coal1253
sea-coal1253
pit-coal1483
cannel1541
earth coala1552
horse coal1552
Newcastle coal1552
stone-coal1585
cannel coal1587
parrot1594
burn-coal1597
lithanthrax1612
stony coal1617
Welsh coala1618
land-coala1661
foot coal1665
peacock coal1686
rough coal1686
white coal1686
heathen-coalc1697
coal-stone1708
round1708
stone-coal1708
bench-coal1712
slipper coal1712
black coal1713
culm1742
rock coal1750
board coal1761
Bovey coal1761
house coal1784
mineral coal1785
splint1789
splint coal1789
jet coal1794
anthracite1797
wood-coal1799
blind-coal1802
black diamond1803
silk-coal1803
glance-coal1805
lignite1808
Welsh stone-coal1808
soft1811
spout coals1821
spouter1821
Wallsend1821
brown coal1833
paper coal1833
steam-coal1850
peat-coal1851
cherry-coal1853
household1854
sinter coal1854
oil coal1856
raker1857
Kilkenny coal1861
Pottery coal1867
silkstone1867
block coal1871
admiralty1877
rattlejack1877
bunker1883
fusain1883
smitham1883
bunker coal1885
triping1886
trolley coal1890
kibble1891
sea-borne1892
jet1893
steam1897
sack coal1898
Welsh1898
navigation coal1900
Coalite1906
clarain1919
durain1919
vitrain1919
single1921
kolm1930
hards1956
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > hydrocarbon minerals > [noun] > coal > other types of coal
peacock coal1686
bone1817
paper coal1833
red ash1836
oil coal1856
rattlejack1877
fusain1883
black coal1887
clarain1919
vitrain1919
1877 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. Rattle-jack, a plant,..in some parts called cock's-comb, and yellow~rattle.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining 200 Rattle-Jack, carbonaceous shale.
1885 Daily Tel. 21 Jan. 3/3 To burn in the fireplace some coke or rattlejacks.
1920 W. Gibson Coal in Great Brit. xiv. 195 In the eastern coalfield the average thickness of the coals and the strata between them is as follows:..Rattle Jack Coal—1-3 [feet].
1967 E. G. Smith et al. Geol. Country around Chesterfield App. ii. 284 In old sections the miners' vernacular is retained and an explanation of the terms is given below... Rattlejack..Inferior cannel; cannelly shale.
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the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > watching or keeping guard > [noun] > one who watches or keeps guard > municipal watchman
wait1418
watchmanc1440
rattle manc1596
rug gowna1625
ruga1627
billman1630
Charley1819
c1596 in A. M. Earle Two Cent. of Costume in Amer. (1903) II. 59 Proved by the watchman and rattleman com'ing about.
1689 in J. Munsell Ann. Albany (1850) II. 110 Zacharias Sichells, ratel man desyres he may have payment..due to him for his service as ratel watch.
1824 Times 7 July 2/5 That other humbug, the information filed by Mr. Plunkett against the bottleman and rattleman, about the beginning of last year.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > foolishness, folly > giddiness, empty-headedness > [adjective] > and noisy
rattle-brained1628
rattle-pated1633
rattle-headed1647
rattle-noddled1661
shandy1691
rattle-skulled1780
baaing1818
1661 K. W. Confused Characters 51 Hees a..rattlenodled, large-lugg'd eagle ey'd Hircocerous.
rattle-note n. a rapid quavering sound produced by a bird, esp. a tuneless churring; (also) spec. the warning cry of the mistle thrush.
ΚΠ
1851 G. Meredith Love in Valley v Lone on the fir-branch, his rattle-note unvaried,..spins the brown eve-jar.
1927 Times 6 Jan. 6/2 It does tally with that of the missel thrush, including the ‘rattle’ note, heard very much at this time of year.
2007 Guardian (Nexis) 26 Feb. 32 The song thrushes were the stars..producing streams of rattle notes that had the intensity of gunfire.
rattlepod n. chiefly Australian any of various plants of the genus Crotalaria (family Fabaceae ( Leguminosae)) (cf. rattlebox n. 2a); also in plural.
ΚΠ
1898 A. M. Davidson Calif. Plants 133 There are ‘rattle-pods’, so common in sandy soil; this plant is called loco weed by the stockmen, and is believed to loco horses.
1935 F. D. Davison & B. Nicholls Blue Coast Caravan 268 Rattle-pod, a shrub that lived up to its name..when its branches were shaken.
1981 J. A. Baines Austral. Plant Genera 108 Crotalaria..Gk. krotalon, a rattle or clapper; because the seeds rattle in the inflated pods, hence the common name rattlepods.
rattleproof adj. (a) that cannot be flustered or alarmed (rare); (b) designed to prevent rattling.
ΚΠ
1905 Syracuse (N.Y.) Post-Standard 17 July 3/4 The Franklin shop turned out with all kinds of noisy instruments to try and rattle the Clipper boys, but St. Denis' boys were ‘rattle proof’.
1910 Manitoba (Winnipeg) Morning Free Press 24 Sept. 21/2 (advt.) Quality Beds are rattle-proof because they are put together to stay.
1992 Artist's & Illustrator's Mag. Oct. 49/1 (caption) A cement made of putty, linseed oil, soot and lamp-black is scrubbed and rubbed over the surfaces..to render the window air and water tight and securely rattle-proof.
rattleproofing n. the process of making something rattleproof.
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1936 L. Stoltenberg U.S. Patent 2,031,338 2/1 This invention has reference to new and useful improvements in weather proofing and weather stripping also the rattle proofing of double hung windows.
1976 Norwich Mercury 19 Nov. 8/5 (advt.) But Ziebart is rustproofing and soundproofing..and squeakproofing and rattleproofing.
rattle-skull n. originally Scottish & English regional = rattle-brain n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupid, foolish, or inadequate person > foolish person, fool > [noun] > giddy, light-headed > and noisy
rattle-heada1645
rattlepate1682
bully fop1699
rattle-brain1704
rattle-skull1725
1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd i. ii. 10 How can ye loo that Rattle-scul?
1788 A. Shirrefs Poems (1790) 86 Some rattle-scull..like Geordy Will.
1824 J. Mactaggart Sc. Gallovidian Encycl. 404 A confused mass of words, the language of a rattle-scull.
1884 ‘J. Strathesk’ More Bits from Blinkbonny 120 He's a rattleskull of a laddie, Charlie, and does things..more out of the exuberant goodness of his heart, than that he means anything in particular.
1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire Rattle-skull, a talkative person; a chatter-box.
1924 Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner 24 Oct. 13/6 Deportation of parlor rattle-skulls who say, ‘Now stop me if you've heard this one.’
1993 Augusta (Georgia) Chron. (Nexis) 18 Aug. c1 Four synonyms for yahoo: 1. Featherbrain. 2. Rattleskull. 3. Empty-head. 4. Dufus.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > foolishness, folly > giddiness, empty-headedness > [adjective] > and noisy
rattle-brained1628
rattle-pated1633
rattle-headed1647
rattle-noddled1661
shandy1691
rattle-skulled1780
baaing1818
1780 Compl. Hist. Simple John 2 His mither was a rattling rattle-scul'd wife.
1806 W. Scott Lett. (1932) I. 325 A rattle-skulled half-lawyer, half-sportsman.
rattle-watch n. now historical a body of watchmen provided with rattles for sounding an alarm (esp. in colonial New York City); a member of such a body.
ΚΠ
1688 W. Ker Remarks Govt. Germany in J. Ker Mem. (1727) iii. 75 They are obliged to contribute..towards the Night-Watch or Rattle-Watch, who walk the Streets the whole Night to keep good Orders.
1689 in J. Munsell Ann. Albany (1850) II. 110 Zacharias Sichells, ratel man desyres he may have payment..due to him for his service as ratel watch.
1897 Wellsboro (Pa.) Agitator 2 July 1/5 Nothing could be heard but the distant cry of the rattle watch as they told the hour.
1982 S. B. Flexner Listening to Amer. 221 In 1658 Stuyvesant began the rattle watch, so called because it patrolled New Amsterdam's streets at night and alerted the Dutch colonists to fires by shaking wooden rattles.
rattlewings n. (also rattlewing) English regional (now rare) the goldeneye duck, Bucephala clangula.
ΚΠ
1843 W. Yarrell Hist. Brit. Birds III. 274 The boat-shooters [near Yarmouth]..are well acquainted with the Golden Eye, or Rattle-wings, as they call it.
1879 T. Southwell Lubbock's Observ. Fauna Norfolk (ed. 2) 159 (note) Provincial, ‘Rattlewing’.
1894 D. Jordan Within Hour of London (ed. 3) 153 The morillon or rattle-wings.
rattlewort n. †(a) (perhaps) a plant of the genus Rhinanthus (cf. sense 1) (obsolete); (b) chiefly Caribbean (now rare) any of various plants of the genus Crotalaria (cf. rattlebox n. 2a).
ΚΠ
OE Brussels Gloss. in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 301 Hierobotanum, hrætelwyrt.
1770 C. Milne Bot. Dict. Crotalaria, Rattle-wort.
1866 J. Lindley & T. Moore Treasury Bot. II. 961/1 Rattlewort, Crotalaria.
1970 E. T. Robertson & E. G. B. Gooding Bot. for Caribbean (ed. 2) xxiii. 173 In Jamaica the members of the genus Crotalaria are known as ‘Rattleworts’.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† rattlen.2
Obsolete. rare.
A kind of fishing net. Also rattle-net.
ΚΠ
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. Wolf-net, a kind of net used in fishing..in rivers and ponds,..of the nature of the rattle, excepting only the wanting the four Wings.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. App. Rattle-net.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online June 2018).
† rattleadj.
Obsolete. rare.
Talkative, loquacious. Cf. rattling adj. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > loquacity or talkativeness > [adjective]
wordyeOE
talewisec1200
i-worded?c1225
babblinga1250
cacklinga1250
chatteringa1250
speakfula1250
word-wooda1250
of many wordsc1350
janglingc1374
tatteringc1380
tongueya1382
ganglinga1398
readya1400
jargaunt1412
talkative1432
open-moutheda1470
clattering1477
trattling?a1513
windy1513
popping1528
smatteringa1529
rattle?1529
communicablea1533
blab1552
gaggling1553
long-tongued?1553
prittle-prattle1556
pattering1558
talking1560
bobling1566
gabbling1566
verbal1572
piet1573
twattling1573
flibber gibber1575
babblative1576
tickle-tongued1577
tattling1581
buzzing1587
long-winded1589
multiloquous1591
discoursive1599
rattling1600
glib1602
flippant1605
talkful1605
nimble-tongued1608
tongue-ripe1610
fliperous1611
garrulous?1611
futile1612
overspeaking1612
feather-tongueda1618
tongue-free1617
long-breatheda1628
well-breathed1635
multiloquious1640
untongue-tied1640
unretentive1650
communicative1651
linguacious1651
glibbed1654
largiloquent1656
multiloquent1656
parlagea1657
loose-clacked1661
nimble-chop1662
twit-twat1665
over-talkativea1667
loquacious1667
loudmouth1668
conversable1673
gash1681
narrative1681
chappy1693
apposite1701
conversative1703
gabbit1710
lubricous1715
gabby?1719
ventose1721
taleful1726
chatty?1741
blethering1759
renable1781
fetch-fire1784
conversational1799
conversant1803
gashing1808
long-lunged1815
talky1815
multi-loquacious1819
prolegomenous1822
talky-talky1831
nimble-mouthed1836
slipper1842
speechful1842
gassy1843
in great force1849
yattering1859
babbly1860
irreticent1864
chattable1867
lubrical1867
chattery1869
loose-mouthed1872
chinny1883
tongue-wagging1885
yappy1909
big-mouthed1914
loose-lipped1919
ear-bashing1945
ear-bending1946
yackety-yacking1953
nattering1959
yacking1959
woofy1960
?1529 R. Hyrde tr. J. L. Vives Instr. Christen Woman ii. v. sig. d.iiij The cause why many women be ratle of tonge is bicause they can nat rule their myndes.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
rattlev.1
/ˈratl/, U.S. /ˈræd(ə)l/ 1. † d. transitive. To give out (a rattling sound). Obsolete. rare.† e. transitive. To assail with a rattling noise. Obsolete. rare.† f. transitive. To drive away or out with rattling. Obsolete. rare.† i. transitive. to rattle away: to lose (property, money, etc.) by dicing. Obsolete.† j. intransitive. Shoemaking. Of stitches on a shoe: to be prominent or clearly visible; to catch the eye. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. Of a thing: to give out a rapid succession of short, sharp, percussive sounds, esp. as a result of being shaken rapidly or of striking against something. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rattle
rattlec1330
hoursch?a1400
rottlea1400
ruttlea1400
ricklec1400
to tirl at the latch, at the sneck15..
clitter1530
ruckle1700
jar1735
knock1869
ratchet1907
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 7848 (MED) Þair gilt pensel wiþ þe winde Mirie ratled of cendel ynde.
a1400 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 250 (MED) Þin teth ratilet, And þin hond quaket.
a1450 (c1400–25) H. Legat Serm. Passion in D. M. Grisdale 3 Middle Eng. Serm. (1939) 11 (MED) Þe bonus ratelyd to-gedur as tey wolde han falle from him.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. bviv Ryngis of rank steill rattillit.
a1513 W. Dunbar Flyting in Poems (1998) I. 206 Thy rigbane rattilis and thy ribbis on raw.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xlviii. 12 Hir tankerdes rattell, and shake to and fro.
1640 R. Brome Sparagus Garden iv. v, in Wks. (1873) III. 185 Or if I baste you not well a fine, and Lambe-skinne your jackets till your bones rattle i' your hides.
1682 N. Tate & J. Dryden 2nd Pt. Absalom & Achitophel 13 He..Faggoted his Notions as they fell, And if they Rhim'd and Rattl'd all was well.
1736 T. Sheridan in Swift's Lett. (1768) IV. 165 If my skin were dry, my bones would rattle like a bag of bobbins.
1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 43 Smack went the whip, round went the wheels..The stones did rattle underneath.
a1839 W. M. Praed Poems (1864) II. 399 The canvas rattled on the mast.
1861 A. Pratt Flowering Plants & Ferns Great Brit. III. 68 Its dead stalks rattle in the wind.
1903 H. Keller Story of my Life i. x. 41 I felt the pebbles rattling as the waves threw their ponderous weight against the shore.
1930 J. B. Priestley Angel Pavement iii. 96 The typewriters rattled and pinged, the telephone bell rang.
1988 Oxf. Art Jrnl. 11 88 The political parentage of this archetypal American art form continues to rattle like a hated family skeleton in a cupboard.
1991 R. R. McCammon Boy's Life i. 7 A pan rattled and glasses clinked.
b. transitive. To cause (a thing) to make a rattling sound, esp. by shaking. Also in a figurative context.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (transitive)] > rattle
to shake upc1430
clitter1530
berattle1553
rattle1560
rail1770
to spring one's rattle1787
to tirl the sneck1800
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxxxijv Whan a man doeth rattle or shake together a nomber of dead mens bones.
1593 G. Harvey New Let. in Wks. (1884) I. 283 Yet I may chaunce rattle him, like a baby of pachment.
1650 H. More Observ. 22 But our great Theomagician having no project in this writing that I see, but to amaze the world, contents himself onely to rattle his chain.
1693 H. Higden Wary Widdow iii. 30 No matter let's rattle the Box and Dice a while to put off.
1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth III. 123 I'll rattle his Curtain-Rings every Night.
?a1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 198 To rattle the thundering drum was his trade.
1847 E. Brontë Wuthering Heights II. xiii. 276 I thumped on the panels, and rattled the latch angrily.
1881 ‘Rita’ My Lady Coquette I. i. 8 She..begins with nervous haste to rattle the teacups and arrange the plates.
1925 Cent. Mag. Jan. 410/2 Outside the ball-room a breeze rattles the palm.
1971 S. Howatch Penmarric (1972) i. i. 26 Nobody was rattling their sabres at one another and even the spirit of jingoism had temporarily abated.
1991 B. Okri Famished Road (1992) i. vii. 25 I heard something rattling the roof.
c. intransitive. Of a sound: to consist of rattling; to be characterized by rattling.
ΚΠ
1578 B. Garter Receyuing Queenes Maiestie Norwich sig. Aiiiv The acclamations and cries of the people..ratled so loude, as hardly for a great time coulde any thing be hearde.
1650 J. Reynolds Flower of Fidelitie 25 They were in the depth of Nocturnus arowsed by a grievous Clamour, which ratled in the Palace with..a thundering noise.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 108 Rowling Thunder rattl'd o're his Head. View more context for this quotation
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 101 The Woods made the sound a thousand Times bigger than it really was; the Echo's rattling from one Side to another.
1754 W. Dodd Sisters II. iv. 277 Her scarce intelligible voice rattled indistinct in her struggling throat.
1830 E. Bulwer-Lytton Paul Clifford I. i. 12 Her voice..rattled indistinctly, and almost died within her.
1889 J. Morley Walpole xi. 238 The thunder rattled from every oratorical battery. Great speeches were made on both sides.
1951 W. O'Meara Grand Portage 52 A great shout rattled among the high cross timbers of the hall.
1963 M. Bourke-White Portrait of Myself xxviii. 336 I would doze off happily while the noises rattled around me.
1993 Guardian 24 July 23/4 The solicitous voice that rattled from the kerbside intercom.
ΚΠ
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 30 Thee towns men roared, thee trump taratantara ratled.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) v. ii. 172 Sound but another [drum], and another shall (As lowd as thine) rattle the Welkins eare. View more context for this quotation
ΚΠ
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 31 Hee should bee well enough able to..rattle away this Swarme of Bees, with their King.
1711 Brit. Apollo 30 Mar.–2 Apr. Another Peal will rattle all my Brains out of my Head.
g. intransitive. Of a place: to resound or be filled with a sound of rattling. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rattle > of places
rattle1622
1622 J. Reynolds Triumphs Gods Revenge: 2nd Bk. ix. 180 The City..rattleth and resoundeth of this cruell and vnnaturall murther.
1622 J. Reynolds Triumphs Gods Revenge: 2nd Bk. iii. xii. 227 Millan ratleth with the newes of Baretano's bloody and vntimely end.
1838 J. Sterling in Edinb. Monthly Mag. Nov. 665/1 That evening a great square in the western part of London rattled with carriages.
1855 C. Kingsley Theseus in Heroes ii. 165 When he saw Theseus he rose, and laughed till the glens rattled.
1954 E. W. Kilman & T. Wright Hugh Roy Cullen 37 The streets rattled with the guns of national guardsmen, drilling and shouting orders.
1970 R. Lynes Art-makers iv. 78 The town rattled and hummed to the sound of hammers and saws.
h. intransitive. Of an agent: to produce a rattling sound by shaking or striking something. Also with away.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rattle > of an agent
brattle1553
rattle1676
1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Iliads ix. 135 Then came his father ratling at his door.
1726 J. Thomson Winter 6 The Storm that blows Without, and rattles on his humble Roof.
1774 Trinket 267 Emma with great gaiety rattled over the keys of her harpsichord.
1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 145 To rise at noon, sit slipshod and undress'd..'Till half the world comes rattling at his door.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. xvi. 252 She rattled away with her needles.
1872 J. D. McCabe Lights & Shadows of N. Y. Life xxxv. 480 His bony fists rattled away on the close-shaven pate of ‘Gums’.
1933 ‘L. G. Gibbon’ Cloud Howe 275 With the coming of the day the wind rose and rose and rattled at the window-hasps of the house.
1986 J. Urquhart Whirlpool 150 I have been unable to ascertain whether they [sc. rattlesnakes] rattle before or after they strike.
2004 Church Times 2 Apr. 36/3 The woodpecker rattles away; the pheasants screech and squawk.
ΚΠ
1808 E. S. Barrett Miss-led General 161 Another considerable estate, called Wheatlands, was rattled away in one night.
ΚΠ
1840 J. Devlin Shoemaker i. 51 So that the stitches..may rattle, as it is called, or distinctly shew themselves to the eye of the spectator.
2. † b. intransitive. Of a goat: to give a rattling cry when on heat. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. To produce an involuntary rattling noise, esp. in the throat when speaking or breathing. Also: †to stutter (obsolete). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > defective or inarticulate speech > speak inarticulately or with a defect [verb (intransitive)] > stammer or speak hesitantly
stammerc1000
wlaffe1025
stotec1325
humc1374
mafflea1387
stut1388
rattlea1398
famble14..
mammera1425
drotec1440
falterc1440
stackerc1440
hem1470
wallowa1475
tattle1481
mant1506
happer1519
trip1526
hobblea1529
hack1553
stagger1565
faffle1570
stutter1570
hem and hawk1588
ha1604
hammer1619
titubate1623
haw1632
fork1652
hacker1652
lispc1680
hesitate1706
balbutiate1731
haffle1790
hotter1828
stutter1831
ah1853
catch1889
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rattle > in throat
rottlea1400
ruttlea1400
rattle1589
stridulate1898
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > disordered breathing > have or cause breathing disorder [verb (intransitive)] > breathe noisily > make rattling noise in throat
rottlea1400
ruttlea1400
rattle1589
ruckle1700
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 47 Superfluite of moisture is cause why som men rateleþ [L. efficiuntur drauli] þat mowe not sowne alle lettres.
c1453 (c1437) Brut (Harl. 53) 549 (MED) Sir Iohn of Stanley..was smytte in the throte with an Arowe..And he Ansuard þe messager so as he myght speke, rattelyng in þe throte.
1483 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 89074) (1881) 300 To Ratylle, travlare.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 329 (MED) At hys feete lay a prykeryd curre; He ratelyd in the throte as he had the murre.
1589 J. Rider Bibliotheca Scholastica 1189 He that rattleth in the throate or cannot scarce vtter his words, traulus.
1619 E. Bert Approved Treat. Hawkes (1890) 86 Vpon any bate she [sc. the hawk] wil heaue and blow, and rattle in the throat.
1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. To Rattle in the Sheath [spoken of a Horse] is when he makes a Noise in the skinny Part of his Yard.
1753 N. Torriano tr. J. B. L. Chomel Hist. Diss. Gangrenous Sore Throat 5 Her Voice was much interrupted, and she rattled..in her Breath.
a1776 R. James Diss. Fevers (1778) 23 At this time he rattled in the throat.
1854 Poultry Chron. 1 369/1 If they rattle badly in the throat,..swab their throats out with the same mixture.
1967 P. Beer Just like Resurrection 25 A young cousin who choked, a grandfather Who rattled all night like snoring.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > subfamily Caprinae (goat) > [verb (intransitive)] > make sound
bleatOE
muttera1325
blea1568
rattle1575
rottle1688
rat1713
whicker1753
maa1827
1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxxix. 238 A Rowe belleth: a Gote ratteleth.
1678 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) To Ratle, in Hunting, a Goat is said when she cries or makes a noise, through desire of copulation.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. 134/1 A Goat Rattleth, or Rotteleth.
3. † c. transitive. to rattle it out: to declaim vigorously. Obsolete.
a. To talk rapidly in a noisy, lively, or inane manner; to chatter, to prattle.
(a) intransitive. Without adverb. Also reduplicated. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > loquacity or talkativeness > be talkative [verb (intransitive)] > talk excessively or chatter
chavel?c1225
babblea1250
chattera1250
clacka1250
janglea1300
ganglec1300
clapc1315
mumblec1350
blabberc1375
carp1377
tatterc1380
garre1382
rattlec1400
clatter1401
chimec1405
gabc1405
pattera1450
smattera1450
languetc1450
pratec1460
chat1483
jabber1499
clittera1529
cackle1530
prattle1532
blatter1533
blab1535
to run on pattens1546
tattle1547
prittle-prattlea1555
trattlea1555
tittle-tattle1556
quiddlea1566
brabble1570
clicket1570
twattle1573
gabble1574
prittle1583
to like to hear oneself speak, talk1597
to word it1612
deblaterate1623
tongue1624
twitter1630
snatter1647
oversay1656
whiffle1706
to gallop away1711
splutter1728
gob1770
gibble-gabble1775
palaver1781
to talk (etc.) nineteen to the dozen1785
gammon1789
witter1808
yabble1808
yaff1808
mag1810
chelp1820
tongue-pad1825
yatter1825
potter1826
chipper1829
jaw-jaw1831
buzz1832
to shoot off one's mouth1864
yawp1872
blate1878
chin1884
yap1888
spiel1894
to talk (also lie, swear, etc.) a blue streak1895
to run off at the mouth1908
chattermag1909
clatfart1913
to talk a streak1915
to run one's mouth1916
natter1942
ear-bash1944
rabbit1950
yack1950
yacker1961
to eat parrot head (also bottom)1965
yacket1969
to twat on1996
c1400 Simonie (Peterhouse) (1991) l. 94 He putteþ in hys pawtener..a coyf to bynd with hys lokes And ratyl on þe rowbyble [c1330 Auch. rat on þe rouwe bible] and in non oþer bokes Ne moo.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 250 Quhair suld be rest, thay rattill ay in a rane.
1590 Tarltons Newes out of Purgatorie 31 He..began his text, which after he had ratled ouer a litle, he told them what sundry reliques were left to the Church.
1660 H. More Explan. Grand Myst. Godliness xix. 226 This Sect we speak of do rattle so about your ears with the loud noise of Perfection.
1715 J. Chappelow Right Way to be Rich 147 They shall not then roar and rattle in the Taverns.
1765 D. Garrick Sick Monkey 4 Or, like friend Shandy, rattle, And lose my matter in my prattle.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. xii. 34 The frothiest coxcomb that ever rattled in a ball-room.
1885 G. Meredith Diana of Crossways I. xiv. 301 Because a woman..would rattle-rattle, as if the laughter of the company were her due.
1889 Boy's Own Paper 17 Aug. 730/2 How we chattered and rattled, and bandied the stalest chaff.
1981 T. Morrison Tar Baby v. 142 He had rattled last night to Jade. And why he had ascribed his exile..to the relationship between Margaret and Michael, he couldn't imagine.
(b) intransitive. With on, away, or along.
ΚΠ
1732 H. Baker & J. Miller tr. Molière Blunderer iv. ii. 149 in Sel. Comedies III I have rally'd my Spirits, and am going to rattle away boldly.
1782 F. Burney Diary 4 Nov. Dr. Johnson..went rattling on in a humorous sort of comparison he was drawing of himself.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. i. 11 Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw any thing of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men. View more context for this quotation
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Alice II. v. v. 142 I rattle on thus to keep up your spirits.
1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker vi. 94 And so he rattled on, beyond reach of my modest protestations, blurting out his complicated interests.
1918 A. Warwick Best People 16 I've rattled along about my own affairs and plans, but indeed I've not forgotten your beautiful letter.
1964 I. Wallace Man (1965) iii. 194 Now Dilman observed his son, rather than listened to him, as Julian rattled on.
1993 F. Collymore Second Attempt 61 He made no reply, so she rattled away.
b. transitive. To say, recount, or recite, in a rapid, lively, effortless, or glib manner. Also (in extended use): to produce (a piece of writing, a composition, etc.) in this manner. Sometimes (in later use always) with off or out.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > say in a lively manner
rattle1402
pourc1451
to run off1680
twitter1689
perk1940
zing1975
1402 Reply Friar Daw Topias in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1861) II. 64 Thou ratelist many thynges, bot grounde hast thou non.
?c1430 (c1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 274 (MED) Þei ratellen þat it is aȝenst charite to tellen opynly here cursed disceitis.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique f. 117v An other ratles his wordes.
1674 A. Marvell Rehearsal Transpros'd ii. 243 Did ever Divine rattle out such prophane Balderdash!
1685 C. Cotton tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. (1877) I. 75 It amuses me to rattle in their ears this word.
1729 W. Mackintosh Ess. on Inclosing Scotl. 78 I have seen some Gentlemen, who..could in Latin rattle off some of Aristotle's unintelligible jargon.
1787 R. Burns Death & Dr. Hornbook xx, in Poems (new ed.) 61 Their Latin names as fast he rattles As ABC.
1808 R. Southey Let. 20 May in C. C. Southey Life & Corr. R. Southey (1850) III. xiv. 145 Rhyme must be rattled upon rhyme, till the reader is half dizzy with the thundering echo.
1858 E. Bulwer-Lytton What will he do with It? ii. xi Lionel rattled out gay anecdotes of his schooldays.
1896 G. B. Shaw Let. 15 Feb. (1965) I. 597 I do not make a third of the income expected by men who rattle off their copy at anything from 20/- to 40/- a thousand.
1904 H. O. Sturgis Belchamber xviii. 250 Lady Eccleston rattled off a list that seemed to contain every one of any celebrity.
1945 P. G. Wodehouse Let. 30 May in Yours, Plum (1990) 226 I used to rattle off the stuff on my machine, but now I have to do each paragraph in pencil first.
1985 L. Whistler Laughter & Urn vii. 75 Getting a few verses by heart, which in years to come he would suddenly rattle out fast.
2005 M. H. Smith Delicious xi. 210 He would've rattled off all the conventional reasons why the relationship wouldn't work.
ΚΠ
1685 C. Cotton tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. II. vi. 82 If I thought my self perfectly good and wise, I would speak with open mouth, and rattle it out to some purpose.
1709 J. Swift Project Advancem. Relig. 60 He rattles it out against Popery and arbitrary Power.
d. transitive. Of a musician, a musical instrument, etc.: to play, produce (music) in a rapid, lively, effortless, or perfunctory manner. Frequently with away, off or out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > do, deal with, acquire, etc., quickly [verb (transitive)]
deliverc1400
expedite1471
dispatchc1515
jumpa1616
to make wash-work with1637
rattlea1766
to knock off1817
rustle1844
reel1870
zip1891
rush1893
fast forward1982
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > perform (music) [verb (transitive)] > specific style or technique
squeak1577
tinkle1582
divide1590
shake1611
slur1746
da capo1764
rattlea1766
to run over ——1789
skirl1818
spread?1822
develop1838
arpeggio1864
propose1864
recapitulate1873
jazz1915
lilt1916
jazzify1927
thump1929
schmaltz1936
belt1947
stroke1969
funkify1973
scratch1984
scratch-mix1985
a1766 F. Sheridan Concl. Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph (1770) IV. 213 She then flew to my harpsichord, rattled away a tune on it, then turning round, she began a minuet.
1829 G. Jones Sketches Naval Life I. 273 Yankee Doodle..is a tolerably good tune,..but rattled off, as it was..this evening, I am sure it must have produced a general laugh.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlviii. 432 Sitting down to the piano, she rattled away a triumphant voluntary on the keys.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. xvi. 255 He sat down to the piano, and rattled a lively piece of music.
1916 E. B. Tweedie My Table-cloths 32 ‘Play her some bits of the operas, Will,’ said his wife, so he sat down and rattled off a tune from the Yeomen of the Guard.
1952 T. Lea Wonderful Country xi. 109 The banjos rattled out a fanfare.
1986 C. Lassalle Breaking Rules 50 She rattled off fast passages [of music] like an efficient typist.
4. † b. transitive. With up or off. Obsolete.† c. transitive. With complement. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To scold or berate; to rail at. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)]
vilea1300
rebutc1330
revilea1393
arunt1399
stainc1450
brawl1474
vituper1484
rebalk1501
to call (rarely to speak) (all) to naught1542
rattle1542
vituperate1542
bedaub1570
beray1576
bespurt1579
wring1581
misuse1583
caperclaw1589
abuse1592
rail1592
exagitate1593
to shoot atc1595
belabour1596
to scour one's mouth on1598
bespurtle1604
conviciate1604
scandala1616
delitigate1623
betongue1639
bespatter1644
rant1647
palt1648
opprobriatea1657
pelt1658
proscind1659
inveigh1670
clapperclaw1692
blackguard1767
philippize1804
drub1811
foul-mouth1822
bullyrag1823
target1837
barge1841
to light on ——1842
slang1844
villainize1857
slangwhang1880
slam-bang1888
vituperize1894
bad-mouth1941
slag1958
zing1962
to dump on (occasionally all over)1967
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] > scold
chidec1230
ban1340
tongue1388
rate1393
flite14..
rehetec1400
janglec1430
chafec1485
rattle1542
berate1548
quarrel1587
hazen?1608
bequarrel1624
huff1674
shrewa1687
to claw away, off1692
tongue-pad1707
to blow up1710
scold1718
rag1739
redd1776
bullyraga1790
jaw1810
targe1825
haze1829
overhaul1840
tongue-walk1841
trim1882
to call down1883
tongue-lash1887
roar1917
to go off at (a person)1941
chew1948
wrinch2009
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes sig. K5 How Diogenes ratleed & shooke vp couetous persones.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus vi. xix, in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 375 For which doctrine..yet was he ratled of Sisinius the Nouatian Bishop.
1600 Abp. G. Abbot Expos. Prophet Ionah iv. 68 He so rebuketh Ionas, and ratleth him for his drowsinesse.
1667 S. Pepys Diary 9 Aug. (1974) VIII. 378 I did soundly rattle him for neglecting her so much as he hath done.
1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 70 A man's own friends will..reprove, catechise, and rattle him at so severe a rate.
1736 W. R. Chetwood Voy. W. O. G. Vaughan I. 147 My Uncle perceiving his Behaviour, rattled him, in his merry Way.
1770 R. Cumberland Brothers ii. xii. 30 Had my poor dear, dead Mr. Searcher heard such a word, he woud have rattled him.
1823 W. Hone Anc. Myst. Described ii. vii. 183 The poor soul addressed herself to our Saviour first, who rattled her extremely, and was indeed all the while very severe.
1931 S. W. Ryder Blue Water Ventures xvi. 217 He should have rattled his officer-of-the-watch for slackness.
ΚΠ
a1555 H. Latimer Let. 15 July in J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (1563) 1349/2 Peraduenture ye wyll set penne to paper and al to rattle me vp in a letter.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccij The diuines of Collon assailed Bucer sore, and rattled hym vp with manye opprobrious wordes.
1599 E. Topsell Times Lament. 25 To be ratled vp for their follies by preaching.
a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) 263 The King so rattled up the Bishop, that he was glad to make his peace.
1709 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 4 Apr. (O.H.S.) II. 182 He..rattled him off for Printing the Book.
1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses viii. 36 She that would sometime rattle off her Servants pretty sharply.
1745 D. Soyer & J. Lockman tr. ‘Monsieur de Blainville’ Trav. III. 340 Was you in Naples, and should offer to scruple the Truth of these Miracles, depend upon it, that you would be well rattled off.
1785 R. Cumberland Nat. Son iv. 68 I rattled him off roundly, for dreaming of it; for I was of your way of thinking, that it wou'd be best to knock him on the head at once, and save mischief.
ΚΠ
a1640 P. Massinger Parl. of Love (1976) ii. ii. 2 Ser. Madam I rattled him, Rattled him home. Le. Rattle him hence you rascall.
1669 S. Pepys Diary 25 Mar. (1976) IX. 498 I did lay the law open to them, and rattle the Maister-Attendants out of their wits almost.
1722 D. Defoe Relig. Courtship i. iii. 95 I believe I rattled her out of it, when I came away.
5.
a. Denoting motion or travel, with adverb or prepositional construction indicating direction.
(a) intransitive. To move (usually rapidly) with a rattling noise. Occasionally also †transitive with it (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move swiftly with or as with sound
thunderc1374
hurtle1509
rattle1555
skirr1567
whizz1591
brustle1638
clatter1810
whoosh1856
fizz1864
zoon1880
zing1899
skoosh1904
zoom1924
scream1943
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > repeated sound or succession of sounds > [verb (intransitive)] > rattle > move with
rattle1555
1555 [implied in: W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. viii. 180 There is no glittering apparell, no rattelinge in sylkes, no rusteling in veluettes. (at rattling n.)].
1614 J. Cooke Greenes Tu Quoque sig. D3 In silkes I'l rattle it of every colour.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 54 Huge Torrents..ratling down the Rocks, large moisture yield. View more context for this quotation
1753 T. Gray Long Story in Six Poems 18 They flirt, they sing, they laugh, they tattle,..And up stairs in a whirlwind rattle.
1797 R. Southey Poems 147 Fast o'er the bleak heath rattling drove a chariot.
1816 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto III xxii. 14 The car rattling o'er the stony street.
1830 E. Bulwer-Lytton Paul Clifford i, 1 A violent gush of wind..rattling along the housetops.
1871 L. Stephen Playground of Europe iii. 156 A violent hailstorm rattled down.
1939 W. Saroyan Peace, it's Wonderful 55 The old Ford rattled down Ventura Avenue and then slowed down.
1958 I. Fleming Dr. No xix. 243 Then I heard the crabs beginning to run..and soon they came scurrying and rattling along—hundreds of them.
1997 C. Johnson in M. River Allnighter 119 The first train rattled across the bridge that cut the little street in half.
(b) transitive. To cause to move with a rattling noise. Also figurative: to hurry (something) effortlessly or perfunctorily.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > cause to move swiftly [verb (transitive)]
featherc888
speeda1387
whirry1582
winga1596
rattle?1611
race1734
to send along1867
zip1891
roller-coast1962
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xxii. 21 Steed-like [Achilles]..rattles home his chariot, extending all his pride.
1773 O. Goldsmith She stoops to Conquer v. 93 I first took them down Feather-bed-lane, where we stuck fast in the mud. I then rattled them crack over the stones of Up-and-down Hill.
1817 T. L. Peacock Melincourt I. iii. 35 Mr. Hippy's travelling chariot was rattled up to the door by four high-mettled posters from the nearest inn.
1867 J. MacGregor Voy. Alone in Rob Roy v. 81 The anchor was rattled up in a minute.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times III. 184 A Bill..was rattled, if we may use such an expression, through both Houses.
1922 G. Frankau Love Story A. Brunton ix. 99 Aliette's first thoughts—as the taxi rattled her away from Jermyn Street—were for her husband.
1942 R. L. Haig-Brown Timber iv. 44 Hook them [sc. the logs] on to the Camp Five loads and rattle them down to the dump.
1977 J. Laker One-day Cricket 66 The Sri Lankans rattled the score along.
2003 V. O. Carter Such Sweet Thunder 455 The third man swung up the huge tailgate and rattled the chain through the iron rings.
(c) intransitive. Of a rider, driver, or passenger: to travel (usually rapidly) with a rattling noise, esp. in a carriage or rickety vehicle.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > drive a vehicle [verb (intransitive)] > in a rattling manner
rattle1672
1672 E. Ravenscroft Citizen turn'd Gentleman sig. A4 Miss may rattle here in Coach and six.
1703 T. D'Urfey Old Mode & New ii. iii. 37 They rattle about all the Morning long, to see Fashions, and drink Chocolate.
1751 F. Coventry Hist. Pompey the Little (ed. 2) i. xvi. 144 I returned immediately to London, equipped myself with lace cloaths, rattled down to Bath in a post-chaise.
1795 Dr. Houlton in W. Macready Bank Note Epil. sig. A4v Dear, Papa!—lets rattle up to town.
1838 Stephen Trav. Greece 32/1 The pope and his cardinals, with their gaudy equipages and multitudes of footmen rattling to the Vatican.
1874 M. A. Barker Station Life N.Z. iii. 20 We were soon rattling along the Sumner Road by the sea-shore.
1889 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xxi A horseman..rattled down the stony track as hard as he could lick.
1921 V. Woolf Unwritten Novel in Monday or Tuesday 41 We rattled through Surrey and across the border into Sussex.
1969 E. Brathwaite in K. Ramchand & C. Gray West Indian Poetry (1972) 78 My grandfather..rattled in his trap down to the harbour town to sell his meat.
1998 G. Shortland Polygamy i. 11 My favourite beggar..came rattling up on his little wheeled go-car.
b. intransitive. regional and slang. To move, act, or work quickly and vigorously; to depart suddenly, to hurry away or off. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)]
rattle1699
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew To Rattle, to move off, or be gone.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 33 Milkmaids and clowns..rattle off, like hogs to London mart.
1841 H. J. Mercier & W. Gallop Life in Man-of-War 21 Carpenters, caulkers, joiners,..all rattling away pell-mell at their several jobs to expedite our departure.
1866 J. T. Staton Rays fro th' Loominary 31 He pitched into um as herd as he could rattle; but his wife..couldn't manish a spoonful.
1877 F. Ross et al. Gloss. Words Holderness Rattle-away, to hasten along; to go quickly.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining 200 Rattle, to work (drive into or sink through) with great vigour and energy.
1896 Daily Gaz. (Birmingham) 2 Sept. 8/7 After one turn round the cover he [sc. a fox] slipped past the Hyde Rough, and rattled along nearly to Kiddimore Green.
1901 Longman's Mag. June 151 On they rattle 'ard as they can pelt.
c. intransitive. With about or around. To have an undesirable or unnecessary amount of space in which to move or function.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > [verb (intransitive)] > occupy a space larger than is necessary
rattle1869
1869 L. M. Alcott Little Women II. iii. 43 I saw you two girls rattling about in the what-you-call-it [sc. charabanc], like two little kernels in a very big nutshell.
1872 D. R. Locke Struggles of Petroleum 695 Their fidelity to principle, as they termed their extreme fidelity to themselves, entitled them to a life-lease of a position in which they might rattle around, but could never fill.
1926 M. J. Atkinson in J. F. Dobie Rainbow in Morning (1965) 81 He rattles around in his office like one pea in a pod.
1947 M. Morgan Bridge to Russia iii. 132 At first the people rattled around in the overgrown shells of the towns, but before long the deserted buildings were torn down for fuel.
1973 Washington Post 13 Jan. a23/6 I don't want that kind of power rattling around inside the bureaucracy.
1997 H. W. Brands T. R.: The Last Romantic ii. x. 250 Although the six of them still rattled around in the house at Sagamore Hill, the quarters they occupied in Washington were becoming cramped.
6.
a. transitive. To stir up; to rouse or enliven (a person). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > excitement > exciting > excite [verb (transitive)]
astirc1000
stir?c1225
araisec1374
entalentc1374
flamec1380
reara1382
raisec1384
commove1393
kindlea1400
fluster1422
esmove1474
talent1486
heavec1540
erect?1555
inflame1560
to set on gog1560
yark1565
tickle1567
flesh1573
concitate1574
rouse1574
warmc1580
agitate1587
spirit1598
suscitate1598
fermentate1599
nettle1599
startle1602
worka1616
exagitate1621
foment1621
flush1633
exacuatea1637
ferment1667
to work up1681
pique1697
electrify1748
rattle1781
pump1791
to touch up1796
excite1821
to key up1835
to steam up1909
jazz1916
steam1922
volt1930
whee1949
to fire up1976
geek1984
1781 D. Williams tr. Voltaire Dramatic Wks. II. 119 Come, let us away, to hasten his scrawling redundancies, and rattle the old, plump gentlemen.
a1854 R. M. Bird News of Night iii. i, in America's Lost Plays (1941) XII. 162 Go, run, raise all the constables in town—rattle up the watchmen—raise the alderman—fee the lawyers.
1879 J. McCarthy Hist. Own Times I. xvi. 397 A timely philippic rattling up an exhausted and disappointed House.
1908 W. H. P. Jarvis Trails & Tales in Cobalt 125 At the next mine there was another telephone system, and I rattled them up. This line was also out of order.
1944 M. Lavin Long Ago & Other Stories 11 She drove it in among the blazing coals and rattled them up with such unusual violence that Matthew looked around at her.
b. transitive. Fox-hunting. (a) To stir up (cover, etc.) in order to flush a fox; (b) to chase (a fox) vigorously. Also with about.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunt [verb (transitive)]
huntc1000
chasec1330
teisec1400
work1568
drive1622
call1768
rattle1829
shikar1882
1829 Sporting Mag. 23 303 A small covert close by the kennel, being well rattled, the varmint broke away in gallant style.
1837 ‘Venator’ Warwickshire Hunt 236 Went to Ganaway Grove and found a good fox, which we rattled about until he split away.
1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Market Harborough 88 A fox well rattled, up to the first check, huntsmen tell us, is as good as half killed.
1878 E. W. L. Davies Mem. Rev. J. Russell xi. 259 To rattle..every stronghold visited by the foxes.
1901 J. L. Randall Hist. of Meynell Hounds I. xxxii. 363 Rattled him [sc. a fox] up and down the wood..and killed him in the road by Cross.
1986 Horse & Hound 18 Apr. 42/4 High Wood held another which was rattled about on banky ground around Toneys and killed in the open.
7. Cricket.
a. transitive. To bowl down (the wickets of the opposing team) quickly, without conceding many runs (now rare). Also: to bowl out (the opposing batters) in a similar manner.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > dismissal of batsman > put out [verb (transitive)] > manner of dismissal
bowl1719
to run out1750
catch1789
stump1789
st.1797
to throw out1832
rattle1841
to pitch out1858
clean-bowl1862
skittle1880
shoot1900
skittle1906
trap1919
1841 Bell’s Life in London 18 July 4/2 Coomber and Thompson rattling down their wickets in good style.
1862 Baily's Monthly Mag. Apr. 259 Caffyn and Bennett rattled down their wickets..for 20 runs.
1898 G. Giffen With Bat & Ball vii. 94 On the sticky wicket..Hearne and Poughet ‘rattled’ us out.
1926 H. S. Altham Hist. Cricket xviii. 207 He..saw Kent rattled out by Painter and Roberts for 76.
1979 Coventry Evening Tel. 12 June 30/1 Stockingford had a fright on Saturday when struggling Sphinx rattled them out for 83.
2006 P. D. Sentance Cricket in America iv. 75 [1898] John Ainsworth (Liverpool) rattled out the New York batsmen on the Livingston pitch for 49 in their first innings.
b. transitive. Usually with off (also up): to score (a number of runs) rapidly or with ease. Also (more generally in other sports): to achieve (a high score, fast time, etc.), esp. with ease.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > winning, losing, or scoring > win, lose, or score [verb (transitive)] > score
get1634
make1680
score1742
notch1836
steal1836
to put up1860
rattle1860
to put on1865
tally1875
net1907
to rack up1921
slam1959
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > bat [verb (transitive)] > score runs
fetch1735
run1752
to knock up1837
to knock off1851
to run out1856
to hit off1857
rattle1860
compile1884
to hit up1895
slog1897
1860 Baily's Monthly Mag. Sept. 427 Captain Bathurst, in the fine old family style, rattled up 10 and 21.
1875 Baily's Monthly Mag. June 108 Ultimately the South were left with about 40 to get to win, and Mr. W. G. Grace and Jupp rattled off these without difficulty.
1926 H. S. Altham Hist. Cricket xviii. 208 Jackson and Sellars rattled up 24 in a quarter of an hour.
1977 Sunday Times 9 Jan. 28/6 They rattled their reply of 240 for four to the Bangladesh score of 266 for nine declared, at more than four runs an over.
1991 Cycling Weekly 27 July 23/4 He..performed his duties while rattling off a useful 4–11–11, nine seconds slower than his tricycle competition record ride in 1988.
1996 Times 20 May 22/2 Halifax, showing the necessary desire, rattled up 24 points without reply, admittedly against a compliant defence.
2007 Financial Times (Nexis) 3 Sept. 2 The pair rattled off a 90-run stand to take England to 97-1.
8. transitive. colloquial (originally U.S.). To fluster, disconcert; to make nervous, alarm, or frighten. Also: to irritate. Also occasionally intransitive: to become flustered or alarmed.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > upset or perturb [verb (transitive)]
to-wendc893
mingeOE
dreveOE
angerc1175
sturb?c1225
worec1225
troublec1230
sturble1303
disturbc1305
movea1325
disturblec1330
drubblea1340
drovec1350
distroublec1369
tempestc1374
outsturba1382
unresta1382
stroublec1384
unquietc1384
conturb1393
mismaya1400
unquemea1400
uneasec1400
discomfita1425
smite?a1425
perturbc1425
pertrouble?1435
inquiet1486
toss1526
alter1529
disquiet1530
turmoil1530
perturbate1533
broil1548
mis-set?1553
shake1567
parbruilyiec1586
agitate1587
roil1590
transpose1594
discompose1603
harrow1609
hurry1611
obturb1623
shog1636
untune1638
alarm1649
disorder1655
begruntlea1670
pother1692
disconcert1695
ruffle1701
tempestuate1702
rough1777
caddle1781
to put out1796
upset1805
discomfort1806
start1821
faze1830
bother1832
to put aback1833
to put about1843
raft1844
queer1845
rattle1865
to turn over1865
untranquillize1874
hack1881
rock1881
to shake up1884
to put off1909
to go (also pass) through a phase1913
to weird out1970
the mind > emotion > anger > irritation > irritate [verb (transitive)]
gremec893
grillc897
teenOE
mispay?c1225
agrillec1275
oftenec1275
tarya1300
tarc1300
atenec1320
enchafec1374
to-tarc1384
stingc1386
chafe?a1400
pokec1400
irec1420
ertc1440
rehete1447
nettlec1450
bog1546
tickle1548
touch1581
urge1593
aggravate1598
irritate1598
dishumour1600
to wind up1602
to pick at ——1603
outhumour1607
vex1625
bloody1633
efferate1653
rankle1659
spleen1689
splenetize1700
rile1724
roil1742
to put out1796
to touch (also get, catch, etc.) (a person) on the raw1823
roughen1837
acerbate1845
to stroke against the hair, the wrong way (of the hair)1846
nag1849
to rub (a person, etc.) up the wrong way1859
frump1862
rattle1865
to set up any one's bristles1873
urticate1873
needle1874
draw1876
to rough up1877
to stick pins into1879
to get on ——1880
to make (someone) tiredc1883
razoo1890
to get under a person's skin1896
to get a person's goat1905
to be on at1907
to get a person's nanny1909
cag1919
to get a person's nanny-goat1928
cagmag1932
peeve1934
tick-off1934
to get on a person's tits1945
to piss off1946
bug1947
to get up a person's nose1951
tee1955
bum1970
tick1975
the mind > emotion > fear > quality of inspiring fear > quality of being intimidating > intimidate or bully [verb (transitive)] > rattle
rattle1865
to shake up1884
1865 T. F. Upson With Sherman to Sea (1943) xv. 157 I think the Johnnys are getting rattled; they are afraid of our repeating rifles.
1883 E. W. Nye Baled Hay 85 We don't wonder..that a horse who has lived in the country should be a little rattled here where he finds the electric light.
1904 F. Lynde Grafters xxviii. 360 For once in a way the ex-district attorney was too nearly rattled to be fully alert to his surroundings.
1927 M. de la Roche Jalna xxii. 276 Don't be a duffer... The more Piers sees he can rattle you the more he'll do it.
1941 P. Hamilton Hangover Square vi. iii. 181 He got a six at the fourteenth, but he didn't let it rattle him.
1978 D. Mamet Amer. Buffalo (1984) i. 54 You're thinking I'm out there alone, and you're worried I'll rattle.
2004 D. Mitchell Cloud Atlas (U.K. ed.) 63 She rattles me, hate to hand it to her, but there it is.
9. transitive. With off. To fire (a round or burst of ammunition) rapidly, esp. with a machine gun.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > fire (a gun) [verb (transitive)] > fire (a missile) from gun > rapidly
rattle1916
1916 ‘B. Cable’ Action Front 198 He rattled off burst after burst of fire.
1934 A. W. Smith Captain Departed 160 On the left someone was having a great time with a machine-gun. He rattled off a burst of ammunition and the gun would stall.
1997 A. Read & D. Fisher Proudest Day 7 He barked the order to his men and 50 rifles rattled out the first volley.
2003 S. M. Martin UP Saga iv. 125 Bek aimed at its head and rattled off a round of ammunition.
Phrases
transitive. colloquial. to rattle a person's cage and variants: to bother or agitate a person; to shake a person up.In quot. 1952 as an insult comparing a person to a caged animal.
ΚΠ
1952 Van Nuys (Calif.) News 26 May Girl to pesky fellow: Go away—when I want you I'll rattle your cage.
1962 Amer. Speech 37 271 He's weaving quite a bit; let's stop and rattle his cage to see what's wrong.
1988 J. Ellroy Big Nowhere xxxv. 338 You're rattlin' my cage, boy.
1994 Guardian 4 Aug. ii. 13/2 He enjoys the fact that music can still rattle the cages at the BBC. ‘Jungle makes people uneasy.’
2000 R. Barger et al. Hell's Angel vii. 125 Not only did the Hell's Angels shake up the left..but we also rattled the cages of the right-wingers too.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
rattlev.2
/ˈratl/, U.S. /ˈræd(ə)l/ Nautical.
transitive. To provide (the shrouds or rigging) with ratlines. Also: to secure (the rigging) by tautening the ratlines. Usually with down. Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > fit out or equip > rig > furnish with ratlines
ratline1495
rattle1729
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > dismissal of batsman > put out [verb (transitive)] > knock down wicket
to put down1727
rip1831
to throw down1833
take1836
rattle1840
spreadeagle1868
to break the wicket1875
1729 W. Wriglesworth MS. Log-bk. of ‘Lyell’ 1 Sept. Set up the Shrouds in order for Rattling, and Rattled the Mizon and part of the Fore Shrouds.
1791 J. H. Moore Pract. Navigator (ed. 9) 286 I will..set up the Rigging, get the Top over Head, and bolt it, rattle down the Shrouds, and seize on the Cat-harpin-legs.
1829 F. Marryat Naval Officer II. vii. 227 The men were ordered to rattle the rigging down.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast viii. 17 Everything was set up taut, the lower rigging rattled down, or rather rattled up, (according to the modern fashion).
1883 Man. Seamanship for Boys' Training Ships Royal Navy 312 The rope to be used for the ratlines should be well stretched. Before commencing to rattle-down put two swifters on each side.
1935 A. E. Dingle Salvage in Pipe All Hands 156 Both clews rattled down to the yardarms, the halyards were manned, and the reefed topsail went aloft to a tune.
1961 F. H. Burgess Dict. Sailing 168 Rattle down the Rigging, to set up the ratlines, when drooping, to set them all horizontally taut.
2000 R. Mayne Lang. Sailing 232 Rattle (down), to set up or tauten the ratlines.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1OE
n.21753adj.?1529v.1c1330
v.21729- touch warden
- touch watch
- touch well
- touch wood
- touch writer
- touch-controlled
- touch-dance
- touch-dry
- touch-finder
- touch-finding
- touch-hole
- touch-in-goal
- touch-in-goal line
- touch-kick
- touch-knowledge
- touch-last
- touch-me-not
- touch-me-not-ish
- touch-me-not-ishness
- touch-no-walls
- touch-operated
- touch-powder
- touch-proof
- touch-sensitive
- touch-tag