▪ I. ratten, v.
(ˈræt(ə)n)
Also ratton, -tan.
[Of obscure origin: connexion with ratten ratton n. has been suggested, but is not clear. The vbl. n. is recorded earlier, and is more frequently used than the vb.]
a. trans. To molest (a workman or employer) by rattening. b. intr. To practise rattening. Hence ˈrattener, one who rattens.
| 1867 Morning Star 15 July, I have heard of another [workman] who disposed of a rattener..and was never rattened afterwards. 1870 Reade Put yourself, etc. II. 201 My cousin Godby, that has a waterwheel, was rattened, by his scythe-blades being flung in the dam. Ibid. 311 That sense of security which ratteners had enjoyed for many years. |
▪ II. ratten
variant of ratton, rat.