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wits |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Rack \Rack\, 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. He was racked and miserably tormented. --Pope. 2. To torment; to torture; to affect with extreme pain or anguish. Vaunting aloud but racked with deep despair. --Milton. 3. To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense hence to harass, or oppress by extortion. The landlords there shamefully rack their tenants. --Spenser. They [landlords] rack a Scripture simile beyond the true intent thereof. --Fuller. Try what my credit can in Venice do That shall be racked even to the uttermost. --Shak. 4. (Mining) To wash on a rack, as metals or ore. 5. (Naut.) To bind together, as two ropes, with cross turns of yarn, marline, etc {To rack one's brains} or {wits}, to exert them to the utmost for the purpose of accomplishing something Syn: To torture; torment; rend; tear.
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