racked Definition

rack¹
noun

1. A framework with rails, shelves, hooks, etc for holding or storing things.

Thesaurus: frame, framework, lattice, scaffold, skeleton, grating, bracket, stand, shelf; holder, receptacle, perch.
2. A framework for holding hay, etc from which livestock can feed.
3. A bar with teeth which connect with the teeth on a cogwheel or pinion to change the position of something, or to convert linear motion into rotary motion, or vice versa.
4a. historical
A device for torturing people by stretching their bodies;
Form: the rack
4b. A device for stretching things.
5. Something that causes extreme pain, anxiety or doubt.

verb racked, racking

1. To put something in a rack.
2. To move or adjust by rack and pinion.
3. historical
To torture someone on a rack.
4. To stretch or move forcibly or excessively.
5. To cause pain or suffering to someone or something.

Thesaurus: torment, agonize, torture, afflict, persecute, oppress.

Derivative: racked
adj

Note: the variant with w often regarded as an error
Tortured; tormented; distressed. Also in compounds.
Example: be racked with guilt
Example: disease-racked

Idiom: on the rack

Extremely anxious or distressed.

Said of skill, etc: stretched to its limits.

Idiom: rack one's brains

To think as hard as one can, especially in order to remember something.

Etymology: 14c: from Dutch rec shelf, framework.

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rack³
verb

racked, racking
1. To draw off (wine or beer) from its sediment.

Form: rack something off (also)

Etymology: 15c: from Provençal raca dregs.

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rack⁵
noun

1. A horse's gait in which the legs on either side in turn move nearly together.

verb

racked, racking
1. To move with such a gait.

Derivative: racker
noun

Etymology: 16c.