raffle Hear it!

raffle1 definition

raf·fle (raf′əl)

noun

a lottery in which each participant buys a chance or chances to win a prize

Etymology: ME rafle < MFr, dice game, lit., a raking in < OHG raffel, a rake, scraper, akin to OE hreppan, to touch, grasp < IE base *(s)ker-, to cut > harvest

transitive verb raffled -·fled, raffling -·fling

to offer as a prize in a raffle: often with off

intransitive verb

Now Rare to take part in a raffle: with for

Related Forms:

raffle2 definition

raf·fle (raf′əl)

noun

a jumble or tangle, esp. of ropes, canvas, etc. on a ship

Etymology: prob. < Fr, a sweeping together, raking in: see raffle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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