rattle

/ˈra-tᵊl/

Middle English ratelen; akin to Middle Dutch ratel rattle

verb

  1. to make a rapid succession of short sharp noises

  2. to chatter incessantly and aimlessly

  3. to move with a clatter or rattle; also : to be or move about in a place or station too large or grand

the windows rattled in the wind

embarrass discomfit abash disconcert rattle mean to distress by confusing or confounding. embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action. discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

noun

  1. a device that produces a rattle; specifically : a case containing pellets used as a baby's toy

  2. the sound-producing organ on a rattlesnake's tail

  3. a rapid succession of sharp clattering sounds

verb

  1. to furnish with ratlines