Rab"bin*ist, n. [Cf. F. rabbiniste.] One among the Jews who adhered to
the Talmud and the traditions of the rabbins, in opposition to the
Karaites, who rejected the traditions.
Rab"bin*ite (-t), n. Same as Rabbinist.
Rab"bit (rb"bt), n. [OE. rabet, akin to OD. robbe, robbeken.] (Zoöl.)
Any of the smaller species of the genus Lepus, especially the common
European species (Lepus cuniculus), which is often kept as a pet, and
has been introduced into many countries. It is remarkably prolific, and
has become a pest in some parts of Australia and New Zealand.
The common American rabbit (L. sylvatica) is similar but smaller. See
Cottontail, and Jack rabbit, under 2d Jack. The larger species of Lepus
are commonly called hares. See Hare.
Angora rabbit (Zoöl.), a variety of the domestic rabbit having long,
soft fur. -- Rabbit burrow, a hole in the earth made by rabbits for
shelter and habitation. -- Rabbit fish. (Zoöl.) (a) The northern
chimæra (Chimæra monstrosa). (b) Any one of several species of
plectognath fishes, as the bur fish, and puffer. The term is also
locally applied to other fishes. -- Rabbits' ears. (Bot.) See Cyclamen.
-- Rabbit warren, a piece of ground appropriated to the breeding and
preservation of rabbits. Wright. -- Rock rabbit. (Zoöl.) See Daman, and
Klipdas. -- Welsh rabbit, a dish of which the chief constituents are
toasted bread and toasted cheese, prepared in various ways. The name is
said to be a corruption of Welsh rare bit, but perhaps it is merely a
humorous designation.
Rab"bit*ing, n. The hunting of rabbits. T. Hughes.
Rab"bit*ry (-r), n. A place where rabbits are kept; especially, a
collection of hutches for tame rabbits.
Rab"ble (rb"b'l), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Iron Manuf.) An iron bar,
with the end bent, used in stirring or skimming molten iron in the
process of puddling.
Rab"ble, v. t. To stir or skim with a rabble, as molten iron.
Rab"ble, v. i. [Akin to D. rabbelen, Prov. G. rabbeln, to prattle, to
chatter: cf. L. rabula a brawling advocate, a pettifogger, fr. rabere
to rave. Cf. Rage.] To speak in a confused manner. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
Rab"ble, n. [Probably named from the noise made by it (see Rabble, v.
i.); cf. D. rapalje rabble, OF. & Prov. F. rapaille.] 1. A tumultuous
crowd of vulgar, noisy people; a mob; a confused, disorderly throng.
I saw, I say, come out of London, even unto the presence of the
prince, a great rabble of mean and light persons.
Ascham.
Jupiter, Mercury, Bacchus, Venus, Mars, and the whole rabble of
licentious deities.
Bp. Warburton.