Ran"dom (rn"dm), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity,
à randon, de randon, violently, suddenly, rapidly, prob. of German
origin; cf. G. rand edge, border, OHG. rant shield, edge of a shield,
akin to E. rand, n. See Rand, n.] 1. Force; violence. [Obs.]
For courageously the two kings newly fought with great random and
force.
E. Hall.
2. A roving motion; course without definite direction; want of
direction, rule, or method; hazard; chance; -- commonly used in the
phrase at random, that is, without a settled point of direction; at
hazard.
Counsels, when they fly At random, sometimes hit most happily.
Herrick.
O, many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little
meant!
Sir W. Scott.
3. Distance to which a missile is cast; range; reach; as, the random of
a rifle ball. Sir K. Digby.