ratch1
/ratʃ/ /reɪtʃ/(also raitch) Now chiefly English regional (northern )
noun
A (usually white) line or streak down the face of a horse.
Origin
Mid 16th century. Origin unknown. Perhaps compare earlier race and later rake, reach, although it is difficult to reconcile the forms.
ratch2
/ratʃ/English regional (northern ), Scottish, and United States regional
verb
1 [no object] To search or forage for something; to ferret around; to root or ramble about.
2 [with object] To search (a place) thoroughly, to ransack; to ferret (a thing) out.
Origin
Early 19th century. From ratch, variant of rache.