n. & v.
n. 1 a an implement consisting of a pole with a crossbar toothed like a comb at the end, or with several tines held together by a crosspiece, for drawing together hay etc. or smoothing loose soil or gravel. b a wheeled implement for the same purpose. 2 a similar implement used for other purposes, e.g. by a croupier drawing in money at a gaming-table.
v. 1 tr. collect or gather or remove with or as with a rake. 2 tr. make tidy or smooth with a rake (raked it level). 3 intr. use a rake. 4 tr. & intr. search with or as with a rake, search thoroughly, ransack. 5 tr. a direct gunfire along (a line) from end to end. b sweep with the eyes. c (of a window etc.) have a commanding view of. 6 tr. scratch or scrape. rake in colloq. amass (profits etc.). rake-off colloq. a commission or share, esp. in a disreputable deal. rake up (or over) revive the memory of (past quarrels, grievances, etc.). raker n.
[ OE raca, racu f. Gmc, partly f. ON raka scrape, rake ]