Dictionary

A medium-sized rodent belonging to the genus Rattus.

Any of the numerous members of several rodent families (e.g. voles and mice) that resemble true rats in appearance, usually having a pointy snout, a long, bare tail, and body length greater than about 12 cm, or 5 inches.

A person who is known for betrayal; a scoundrel; a quisling.

Example: What a rat, leaving us stranded here!

An informant or snitch.

(usually with “on” or “out”) To betray a person or party, especially by telling their secret to an authority or an enemy; to turn someone in.

Example: He is going to rat us out!

To work as a scab, going against trade union policies.

(of a dog, etc.) To kill rats.

A scratch or a score.

A place in the sea with rapid currents and crags where a ship is likely to be torn apart in stormy weather.

To scratch or score.

Example: He ratted a vertical line on his face with a pocket knife.

To tear, rip, rend.

Example: Ratted to shreds.

Damn, drat, blast; used in oaths.

A ration.