rack

I

[[t]ræk[/t]]

n.

1) a framework of bars, pegs, etc., on which articles are arranged or deposited:

a clothes rack[/ex]

2) cvb a fixture containing tiered shelves, often affixed to a wall:

a spice rack[/ex]

3) a framework set up on a vehicle to carry loads

4) gam

a) a triangular wooden frame in which balls are arranged before a game of pool

b) the balls so arranged

5) Mach.

a) mac a bar, with teeth on one of its sides, adapted to engage with the teeth of a pinion

(rack and pinion) or the like, as for converting circular into rectilinear motion or vice versa.

b) mac a bar having a series of notches engaging with a pawl or the like

6) a former instrument of torture on which a victim was slowly stretched

7) a cause or state of intense suffering of body or mind

8) violent strain

9) cvb zool. a pair of antlers

10) to torture; distress acutely; torment

11) to strain in mental effort:

to rack one's brains[/ex]

12) to strain by physical force or violence

13) to stretch the body of (a person) on a rack

14) phv gam rack up

a) phv Pool. to put (the balls) in a rack

b) phv to gain, achieve, or score:

The new store is racking up profits[/ex]

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME rakke, rekke (n.) < MD rac, rec, recke II

rack

[[t]ræk[/t]] n.

wreckage or destruction; wrack:

to go to rack and ruin[/ex]

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Etymology: 1590–1600; var. ofwrack1 III

rack

[[t]ræk[/t]] n.

1) the fast pace of a horse in which the legs move in lateral pairs but not simultaneously

2) (of horses) to move in a rack

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Etymology: 1570–80; perh. alter. of rock II IV

rack

[[t]ræk[/t]] n.

1) mer a group of drifting clouds

2) to drive or move, esp. before the wind

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME rak V

rack

[[t]ræk[/t]] v. t.

vin to draw off (wine, cider, etc.) from the lees

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Etymology: 1425–75; < OF VI

rack

[[t]ræk[/t]] n.

1) coo the neck portion of mutton, pork, or veal

2) coo the rib section of a foresaddle of lamb, veal, etc

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Etymology: 1560–70; orig. uncert.