Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A corruption of ratline.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun nautical Alternative form of ratline.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Hear sentence forsooth, that is, the ratling of broken glasses, and the expounding of dreams?

    The Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter 20-66 Petronius Arbiter

  • The ratling of the windows, the jar of the house and the continual roar of 24 pounders, the Bursting of shells give us such Ideas, and realize a scene to us of which we could scarcly form any conception.

    Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, 2 - 10 March 1776 1963

  • Whereas now, what with the inordinate swelling of matter, and the empty ratling of words, they only gain this, That when they come to appear in publick, they think themselves in another world.

    The Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter 20-66 Petronius Arbiter

  • After this ratling, Habinas entreated him to give over his anger;

    The Satyricon of Petronius Arbiter 20-66 Petronius Arbiter

  • After this manner I came to the further ende, where the beautifull hystories finished, and beyond the same more inward the darknes was such as I durst not enter, & comming back againe I heard among the ruines a continuing noise like the cracking of bones or their ratling together, whereat I stood still forgetting my fore conceiued delight being interrupted therewith from the sweetnes of the obiects.

    Hypnerotomachia The Strife of Loue in a Dreame Francesco Colonna

  • Whereunto I (being joyous of by unhoped gaine, and ratling my money in my hand) did answer, I pray you madam esteeme me as one of your servants, and if you want my service at any time, I am at your commandement.

    The Golden Asse Lucius Apuleius

  • He was the hero of a hundred fights, and the puniest ratling had its share.

    "Wee Tim'rous Beasties" Studies of Animal life and Character Douglas English

  • First slowly, then quickly with trembling hands he turned the pages, till the continual ratling of the leaves sounded like strange, mocking laughter through the silent, empty room; almost one could imagine it coming from some watching creature hidden in the shadows.

    Paul Kelver, a Novel 1893

  • Queen had given birth to a musk-ratling; [FN#354] whereat King

    Arabian nights. English Anonymous 1855

  • When thou didst give them birth, thine illomened sisters bore them away from thee and cast them into yonder stream and said that thou hadst been delivered first of a puppy, then of a kitten and lastly of a musk-ratling.

    Arabian nights. English Anonymous 1855

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