Rack

(rk), v. t. 1. To extend by the application of force; to stretch or strain; specifically, to stretch on the rack or wheel; to torture by an engine which strains the limbs and pulls the joints.
[1913 Webster]

He was racked and miserably tormented.

Foxe.
[1913 Webster]

2. To torment; to torture; to affect with extreme pain or anguish.
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Vaunting aloud but racked with deep despair.

Milton.
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3. To stretch or strain, in a figurative sense; hence, to harass, or oppress by extortion.
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The landlords there shamefully rack their tenants.

Spenser.
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They [landlords] rack their rents an ace too high.

Gascoigne.
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Grant that I may never rack a Scripture simile beyond the true intent thereof.

Fuller.
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Try what my credit can in Venice do;
That shall be racked even to the uttermost.

Shak.
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4. (Mining) To wash on a rack, as metals or ore.
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5. (Naut.) To bind together, as two ropes, with cross turns of yarn, marline, etc.
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To rack one's brains or To rack one's brains out or To rack one's wits, to exert one's thinking processes to the utmost for the purpose of accomplishing something; as, I racked my brains out trying to find a way to solve the problem.
[1913 Webster +PJC]

Syn. -- To torture; torment; rend; tear.
[1913 Webster]

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Tue 07th October 2008