_Rathe_ (Vol. vii., p. 512).--I can corroborate the assertion of Anon.,
that this word is still in use in Sussex, though by no means frequently.
Not long since I heard an old woman say, "My gaeffer (meaning her husband)
got up quite _rathe_ this morning."
In the case of the early apple it is generally pronounced _ratheripe_.
See also Cooper's excellent _Sussex Glossary_, 2nd edit. 1853.