n. & v.
n. 1 a contest of speed between runners, horses, vehicles, ships, etc. 2 (in pl.) a series of these for horses, dogs, etc. at a fixed time on a regular course. 3 a contest between persons to be first to achieve something. 4 a a strong or rapid current flowing through a narrow channel in the sea or a river (a tide race). b the channel of a stream etc. (a mill-race). 5 each of two grooved rings in a ball-bearing or roller bearing. 6 Austral. a fenced passageway for drafting sheep etc. 7 a passageway along which football players etc. run to enter the field. 8 (in weaving) the channel along which the shuttle moves. 9 archaic a the course of the sun or moon. b the course of life (has run his race).
v. 1 intr. take part in a race. 2 tr. have a race with. 3 tr. try to surpass in speed. 4 intr. (foll. by with) compete in speed with. 5 tr. cause (a horse, car, etc.) to race. 6 a intr. go at full or (of an engine, propeller, the pulse, etc.) excessive speed. b tr. cause (a person or thing) to do this (raced the bill through the House). 7 intr. (usu. as racing adj.) follow or take part in horse-racing (a racing man). not in the race Austral. sl. having no chance. race meeting a sequence of horse-races at one place. racing car a motor car built for racing on a prepared track.
[ ME, = running, f. ON r s ]