from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Racket \Rack"et\ (r[a^]k"[e^]t), n. [F. raquette; cf. Sp.
raqueta, It. racchetta, which is perhaps for retichetta, and
fr. L. rete a net (cf. {Reticule}); or perh. from the Arabic;
cf. Ar. r[=a]ha the palm of the hand (used at first to strike
the ball), and OF. rachette, rasquette, carpus, tarsus.]
[Written also {racquet}.]
1. A thin strip of wood, having the ends brought together,
forming a somewhat elliptical hoop, across which a network
of catgut or cord is stretched. It is furnished with a
handle, and is used for catching or striking a ball in
tennis and similar games.
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Each one [of the Indians] has a bat curved like a
crosier, and ending in a racket. --Bancroft.
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2. A variety of the game of tennis played with peculiar
long-handled rackets; -- chiefly in the plural. --Chaucer.
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3. A snowshoe formed of cords stretched across a long and
narrow frame of light wood. [Canada]
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4. A broad wooden shoe or patten for a man or horse, to
enable him to step on marshy or soft ground.
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{Racket court}, a court for playing the game of rackets.
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