[rat.tle] vb rat.tled ; rat.tling [ME ratelen; akin to MD ratel rattle] vi (14c) 1: to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises "the windows rattled in the wind"
2: to chatter incessantly and aimlessly
3: to move with a clatter or rattle; also: to be or move about in a place or station too large or grand "rattled around the big old house" ~ vt 1: to say, perform, or affect in a brisk lively fashion "rattled off four magnificent backhands --Kim Chapin"
2: to cause to make a rattling sound
3: rouse; specif: to beat (a cover) for game
4: to upset to the point of loss of poise and composure syn see embarrass
[2]rattle n (1519) 1 a: a device that produces a rattle; specif: a case containing pellets used as a baby's toy b: the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail
2. a: a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds b: noise, racket
3: a throat noise caused by air passing through mucus and heard esp. at the approach of death [3]rattle vt rat.tled ; rat.tling [irreg. fr. ratline] (1729): to furnish with ratlines