from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rattle \Rat"tle\ (r[a^]t"t'l), v. t.
1. To cause to make a rattling or clattering sound; as, to
rattle a chain.
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2. To assail, annoy, or stun with a rattling noise.
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Sound but another [drum], and another shall
As loud as thine rattle the welkin's ear. --Shak.
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3. Hence, to disconcert; to confuse; as, to rattle one's
judgment; to rattle a player in a game. [Colloq.]
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4. To scold; to rail at. --L'Estrange.
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{To rattle off}.
(a) To tell glibly or noisily; as, to rattle off a story.
(b) To rail at; to scold. "She would sometimes rattle off
her servants sharply." --Arbuthnot.
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