: a framework, stand, or grating on or in which articles are placed
2
: an instrument of torture on which a body is stretched
3
a(1)
: a cause of anguish or pain
(2)
: acute suffering
b
: the action of straining or wrenching
4
a
: a bar with teeth on one face for gearing with a pinion or worm gear to transform rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa (as in an automobile steering mechanism)
b
: a notched bar used as a ratchet to engage with a pawl, click, or detent
Middle English rakken, from Old French (Norman & Picard dialect) reequier, probably from Late Latin reaedificare to rebuild, repair, improve, from Latin re- + aedificare to build — more at edify