Ra"tion*al*ize, v. i. To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory,
belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the
principles of rationalism.
Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief rationalizing doctor
of antiquity.
J. H. Newman.
Ra"tion*al*ly, adv. In a rational manner.
Ra"tion*al*ness, n. The quality or state of being rational;
rationality.
||Ra*ti"tæ (r*t"t), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. ratis a raft; cf. L. ratitus
||marked with the figure of a raft.] (Zoöl.) An order of birds in which
||the wings are small, rudimentary, or absent, and the breastbone is
||destitute of a keel. The ostrich, emu, moa, and apteryx are examples.
Rat"i*tate (rt"*tt), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ.
Rat"ite (rt"t), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ. - - n. One
of the Ratitæ.
{ Rat"lines, Rat"lins } (rt"lnz), n. pl. [Of uncertain origin.] (Naut.)
The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and forming the
steps of a rope ladder. [Written also ratlings, and rattlings.] Totten.
Rat"on (rt"n), n. [Cf. Raccoon.] A small rat. [Obs.] Piers Plowman.
Ra*toon" (r*tn"), n. 1. Same as Rattoon, n.