rat

name

1. The first of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

noun

1. A ration.

   “With regards to the testing of his product, the initial blood analysis had come back confirming huge, distinctive nutritional superiority for Stewart's military ration pack. Given that the policy of the British Army is to be fully ready for war at the drop of a hat, he was sitting on the potential of supplying new rats for the entire army […]”

verb

Etymology: From Middle English ratten, further etymology unknown. Compare Middle Low German retten (“to tear, tear up”), Middle High German ratzen (“to scratch; rasp; tear”). Could be related to write. See also rit.

1. To scratch or score.

   “He ratted a vertical line on his face with a pocket knife.”

2. To tear, rip, rend.

   “Ratted to shreds.”

3. Damn, drat, blast; used in oaths.

   ““But, rat me, sir,” cried Foster in bewilderment, “tis too generous—'pon honour it is. I can't consent to it. No, rat me, I can't.””