Etymology: Origin unknown. Perhaps compare earlier race n.⁴ and later rake n.³ 5, reach n.¹ 3, although it is difficult to reconcile the forms. Compare also range n.³

Etymology: Apparently variant or alteration of rack n.²The nature of this apparent change from -k to -tch is unclear, but there are possible parallels at ratchment n. and ratch v.¹ Perhaps by analogy with similar variation in words going back to Old English (e.g. retchless , variant of reckless adj.).

Etymology: Originally (in sense 1) probably shortened < French rochet ratchet n.²; in later use shortened directly < ratchet n.²The semantic motivation of sense 1 is unclear and it is possible that it represents a different word.

Etymology: Origin uncertain; perhaps of imitative origin. Alternatively perhaps compare rack v.¹ (although this is first attested slightly later in the most relevant sense: see rack v.¹ 1c) and discussion at ratch n.² Compare also rat n.², rat v.¹ Compare German ratschen to damage by tearing, of imitative origin. Compare also Anglo-Norman racher to tear, variant of racer race v.¹Compare also Scots ratch ‘to damage by rough usage, to tear, lacerate, scratch’ (see Sc. National Dict. at ratch v.², n.³; perhaps compare rat v.² and scratch v.).

Etymology: < ratch n.³

Etymology: < ratch, variant of rache n.