Category:Raft

Raft, obs.

Defn: imp. & p. p. of reave. Spenser.

Raft Raft, n. Etym: [originally, a rafter, spar, and fr. Icel. raptr a Rafter; akin to dan. raft, prov. G. raff a rafter, spar; cf. Ohg. Rafo, ravo, a beam, rafter, icel. raf roof. Cf. Rafter, n.]

1. A collection of logs, boards, pieces of timber, or the like, Fastened, together, either for their own collective conveyance on the Water, or to serve as a support in conveying other things; a float.

2. A collection of logs, fallen trees, etc. (such as is formed in Some western rivers of the united states), which obstructs Navigation. [u.s.]

3. Etym: [perhaps akin to raff a heap.]

Defn: a large collection of people or things taken indiscriminately. [slang, u. S.] "a whole raft of folks." W. D. Howells. Raft bridge. (a) a bridge whose points of support are rafts. (b) a bridge that Consists of floating timbers fastened together. -- raft duck. Etym: [the name alludes to its swimming in dense Flocks.] (zoöl.) (a) the bluebill, or greater scaup duck; -- called Also flock duck. See scaup. (b) the redhead. -- raft port (naut.), a large, square port in a vessel's side for Loading or unloading timber or other bulky articles; a timber or Lumber port.

Raft Raft, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rafted; p. pr. & vb. n. Rafting.]

Defn: to transport on a raft, or in the form of a raft; to make into A raft; as, to raft timber.