n. 1 a a disturbance; an uproar; a din. b social excitement; gaiety. 2 sl. a a scheme for obtaining money or attaining other ends by fraudulent and often violent means. b a dodge; a sly game. 3 colloq. an activity; a way of life; a line of business (starting up a new racket). rackety adj.
[ 16th c.: perh. imit. ]