The superior stratum of clouds, or that moving rapidly above the scud. The line in which the clouds are driven by the wind, is called the rack of the weather. In Shakspeare's beautiful thirty-third sonnet the sun rises in splendour, but
"Anon permits the basest clouds to ride
With ugly rack on his celestial face,
And from the forlorn world his visage hide,
Stealing unseen to west with this disgrace."
Also, a frame of timber containing several sheaves, as a fair leader.
Also, various rails for belaying pins.
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
A metaphorical expression of the same meaning as the like choice phrases, 'to come to the scratch;' ...
Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.