rathcet.html - See: HAD RATHER.

rathcet.html - adj.
poet. coming, blooming, etc., early in the year or day.

rathe-ripe 1 ripening early.
2 precocious. [OE hróth, hród f. Gmc]

rathcet.html - adv.
1 (often foll. by than) by preference; for choice (would rather not go; would rather stay than go).
2 (usu. foll. by than) more truly; as a more likely alternative (is stupid rather than honest).
3 more precisely (a book, or rather, a pamphlet).
4 slightly; to some extent; somewhat (became rather drunk; I rather think you know him).
5 Brit. (as an emphatic response) indeed, assuredly (Did you like it? - Rather!).

had rather would rather. [ME f. OE hrathor, compar. of hr

the (adv.) f. hr

th (adj.): see RATHE]

rathcet.html - n.
US a beer-saloon or restaurant in a basement. [G, = (restaurant in) town-hall cellar]

rathcet.html - See: SMELL A RAT.

rathcet.html - See: BLOW THE WHISTLE, RAT OUT.