RATTLE

I. verb (~d; rattling) Etymology: Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel ~ Date: 14th century intransitive verb to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises , to chatter incessantly and aimlessly, to move with a clatter or ~, transitive verb to say, perform, or affect in a brisk lively fashion , to cause to make a rattling sound, rouse , to upset especially to the point of loss of poise and composure ; disturb , see: embarrass II. noun Date: 1519 1. a device that produces a ~, the sound-producing organ on a ~snake's tail, 2. a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds, noise , racket , death ~ , III. transitive verb (~d; rattling) Etymology: irregular from ratline Date: 1729 to furnish with ratlines