from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Roast \Roast\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Roasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Roasting}.] [OE. rosten, OF. rostir, F. r[^o]tir; of German
origin; cf. OHG. r[=o]sten, G. r["o]sten, fr. OHG. r[=o]st,
r[=o]sta, gridiron, G. rost; cf. AS. hyrstan to roast.]
1. To cook by exposure to radiant heat before a fire; as, to
roast meat on a spit, or in an oven open toward the fire
and having reflecting surfaces within; also, to cook in a
close oven.
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2. To cook by surrounding with hot embers, ashes, sand, etc.;
as, to roast a potato in ashes.
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In eggs boiled and roasted there is scarce
difference to be discerned. --BAcon.
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3. To dry and parch by exposure to heat; as, to roast coffee;
to roast chestnuts, or peanuts.
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4. Hence, to heat to excess; to heat violently; to burn.
"Roasted in wrath and fire." --Shak.
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5. (Metal.) To dissipate by heat the volatile parts of, as
ores.
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6. To banter severely. [Colloq.] --Atterbury.
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