RATTEN

Etymology

Verb

ratten (third-person singular simple present rattens, present participle rattening, simple past and past participle rattened)

(obsolete, Northern England) To sabotage machinery or tools as part of an industrial dispute, particularly the tools of a workman who went against the union.

Anagrams

• Arnett, attern, natter, tarten, treant

Source: Wiktionary


Rat"ten, v. t. Etym: [Prov. E. ratten a rat, hence the verb literally means, to do mischief like a rat.]

Definition: To deprive feloniously of the tools used in one's employment (as by breaking or stealing them), for the purpose of annoying; as, to ratten a mechanic who works during a strike. [Trades-union Cant] J. McCarthy.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




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In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

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