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ratch

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Definition of ratch

 (Entry 1 of 6)

variant of

ratch

noun (1)
\ ˈrach \
plural -es

Definition of ratch (Entry 2 of 6)

chiefly dialectal
: a blaze on an animal's face

ratch

intransitive verb
\ " \
-ed/-ing/-es

Definition of ratch (Entry 3 of 6)

chiefly dialectal
: stretch, rend

ratch

noun (2)
\ " \
plural -es

Definition of ratch (Entry 4 of 6)

: the distance between nip of back and front drafting rolls in spinning

ratch

noun (3)
\ " \
plural -es

Definition of ratch (Entry 5 of 6)

1 : ratchet sense 1
2 : a notched bar with which a pawl or click works to prevent reversal of motion

ratch

transitive verb
\ " \
-ed/-ing/-es

Definition of ratch (Entry 6 of 6)

1 : to cut gear teeth on (a wheel)
2 : to turn (as a tool) by or as if by a ratchet and pawl

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History and Etymology for ratch

Noun (1)

origin unknown

Intransitive verb

back-formation from raught, after English caught : catch

Noun (3)

German ratsche, rätsche clapper, rattle, ratchet, from ratschen, rätschen to rattle, from Middle High German ratzen; akin to Middle High German razzeln to rattle

Learn More About ratch

Dictionary Entries Near ratch

ratcatcher

ratch

rat cheese

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Cite this Entry

“Ratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratch. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

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