ratcatcher
ratcatcher Lexical Profile
ratcatcher Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person whose occupation or practice is catching and exterminating rats and other rodents.
"During the nineteenth century, the municipal ratcatcher played a vital role in curbing the spread of urban disease."
British Informal equestrian hunting attire consisting of a tweed jacket and neutral breeches rather than a formal scarlet or black coat, worn especially during cubhunting or early-season rides.
"Because it was an autumn morning ride rather than a formal winter meet, the riders turned out in ratcatcher."
• Rhymes for ratcatcher
Word Origin & Etymology
Attested since the late 14th century, formed as a compound of 'rat' and 'catcher'. The sense referring to informal equestrian attire developed in late 19th-century Britain, likening non-formal tweed riding clothes to the practical working garb of a country rat-catcher.