from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rack \Rack\ (r[a^]k), v. t.
1. To extend by the application of force; to stretch or
strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to
torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the
joints.
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He was racked and miserably tormented. --Foxe.
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2. To torment; to torture; to affect with extreme pain or
anguish.
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Vaunting aloud but racked with deep despair.
--Milton.
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3. To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense; hence, to
harass, or oppress by extortion.
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The landlords there shamefully rack their tenants.
--Spenser.
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They [landlords] rack their rents an ace too high.
--Gascoigne.
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Grant that I may never rack a Scripture simile
beyond the true intent thereof. --Fuller.
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Try what my credit can in Venice do;
That shall be racked even to the uttermost. --Shak.
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4. (Mining) To wash on a rack, as metals or ore.
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5. (Naut.) To bind together, as two ropes, with cross turns
of yarn, marline, etc.
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{To rack one's brains} or {To rack one's brains out} or {To
rack one's wits}, to exert one's thinking processes to the
utmost for the purpose of accomplishing something; as, I
racked my brains out trying to find a way to solve the
problem.
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Syn: To torture; torment; rend; tear.
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