[rare] adj rar.er ; rar.est [ME, fr. L rarus] (14c) 1: marked by wide separation of component particles: thin "~ air"
2. a: marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal: distinctive b: superlative or extreme of its kind
3: seldom occurring or found: uncommon syn see choice, infrequent -- rare.ness n
[2]rare adj rar.er ; rar.est [alter. of earlier rere, fr. ME, fr. OE hrere boiled lightly; akin to OE hreran to stir, OHG hruoren] (1784): cooked so that the inside is still red "~ roast beef"