Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RAT'TLE, v.t.

1. To cause to make a rattling sound or a rapid succession of sharp sounds; as, to rattle a chain. – Dryden.
2. To stun with noise; to drive with sharp sounds rapidly repeated. Sound but another, and another shall, / As loud as thine, rattle the welkin's ear. – Shak.
3. To scold; to rail at clamorously; as, to rattle on servants sharply. – Arbuthnot.