I. ˈra-fəl verb
( raf·fled ; raf·fling ˈra-f(ə-)liŋ)
Date: circa 1680
intransitive verb
: to engage in a raffle
transitive verb
: to dispose of by means of a raffle
raffle off a turkey
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English rafle, a dice game, from Middle French, dice game in which all the stakes can be won in a throw, literally, rake for a fire, from Middle High German raffel rake for a fire, from raffen to snatch, gather
Date: 1766
: a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying chances
III. noun
Etymology: probably from French rafle act of snatching, sweeping, from Middle French, rake for a fire
Date: 1881
: rubbish ; especially : a jumble or tangle of nautical equipment