Definitions for the word "rack" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
Same as Arrack.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The neck and spine of a fore quarter of veal or mutton.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A wreck; destruction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Thin, flying, broken clouds, or any portion of floating vapor in the sky.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To fly, as vapor or broken clouds.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v.
To amble fast, causing a rocking or swaying motion of the body; to pace; -- said of a horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A fast amble.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To draw off from the lees or sediment, as wine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. a.
An instrument or frame used for stretching, extending, retaining, or displaying, something.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. a.
An engine of torture, consisting of a large frame, upon which the body was gradually stretched until, sometimes, the joints were dislocated; -- formerly used judicially for extorting confessions from criminals or suspected persons.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
An instrument for bending a bow.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. a.
A grate on which bacon is laid.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. a.
A frame or device of various construction for holding, and preventing the waste of, hay, grain, etc., supplied to beasts.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. a.
A frame on which articles are deposited for keeping or arranged for display; as, a clothes rack; a bottle rack, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. a.
A piece or frame of wood, having several sheaves, through which the running rigging passes; -- called also rack block. Also, a frame to hold shot.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. a.
A frame or table on which ores are separated or washed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. a.
A frame fitted to a wagon for carrying hay, straw, or grain on the stalk, or other bulky loads.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. a.
A distaff.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. a.
A bar with teeth on its face, or edge, to work with those of a wheel, pinion, or worm, which is to drive it or be driven by it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. a.
That which is extorted; exaction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v. t.
To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. v. t.
To torment; to torture; to affect with extreme pain or anguish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. v. t.
To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense; hence, to harass, or oppress by extortion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. v. t.
To wash on a rack, as metals or ore.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. v. t.
To bind together, as two ropes, with cross turns of yarn, marline, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
26. n.
1 framework, usu. With rails, bars, etc., for holding things. 2 cogged or toothed bar or rail engaging with a wheel or pinion etc. 3 hist. Instrument of torture stretching the victim''s joints. v. 1 (of disease or pain) inflict suffering on. 2 hist. Torture (a person) on the rack. 3 place in or on a rack. 4 shake violently. 5 injure by straining. on the rack suffering acute mental or physical pain. Rack one''s brains make a great mental effort. [low german or dutch]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
27. n.
Destruction (esp. Rack and ruin). [from *wrack]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
28. v.
(often foll. By off) draw off (wine, beer, etc.) From the lees. [provençal arracar from raca stems and husks of grapes, dregs]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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