RAG, to divide or share; “let’s RAG IT,” or GO RAGS, _i.e._, share it
equally between us.—_Norwich._
RAGAMUFFIN, a tattered vagabond, a tatterdemalion.
RAG SPLAWGER, a rich man.
RAGS, bank notes.
RAG-SHOP, a bank.
RAIN NAPPER, umbrella.
RAISE THE WIND, to obtain credit, or money—generally by pawning or
selling off property.
RAMP, to thieve or rob with violence.
RAMPSMAN, a highway robber who uses violence when necessary.
RAMSHACKLE, to shatter as with a battering ram; RAMSHACKLED, knocked
about, as standing corn is after a high wind. Corrupted from
_ram-shatter_, or possibly from _ransack_.
RANDOM, three horses driven in line, a very appropriate term.—_See_
TANDEM.
RANDY, rampant, violent, warm, amorous. _North_, RANDY-BEGGAR, a gipsey
tinker.
RAN-TAN, “on the RAN-TAN,” drunk.—_Ho. Words_, No. 183.
RANTIPOLE, a wild noisy fellow.
RAP, a halfpenny; frequently used generically for money, thus: “I
hav’nt a RAP,” _i.e._, I have no money whatever; “I don’t care a RAP,”
&c. Originally a species of counterfeit coin used for small change in
_Ireland_, against the use of which a proclamation was issued, 5th May,
1737. Small copper or base metal coins are still called RAPPEN in the
Swiss cantons. Irish robbers are called RAPPAREES.
RAP, to utter; “he RAPPED out a volley of oaths.”
RAPPING, enormous; “a RAPPING big lie.”
RAPSCALLION, a low tattered wretch.
RAT, a sneak, an informer, a turn-coat, one who changes his party for
interest. The late Sir Robert Peel was called the RAT, or the TAMWORTH
RATCATCHER, for altering his views on the Roman Catholic question. From
rats deserting vessels about to sink.
RAT, term amongst printers to denote one who works under price. _Old
cant_ for a clergyman.
RATHER! a ridiculous street exclamation synonymous with yes; “do you
like fried chickens?” “RATHER!” “are you going out of town?” “RATHER!”
RATHER OF THE RATHEREST, a phrase applied to anything slightly in
excess or defect.
RATTLECAP, an unsteady, volatile person.