Part 363

Ri"ot (?), n. [OF. riote, of uncertain origin; cf. OD. revot, ravot.] 1. Wanton or unrestrained behavior; uproar; tumult.

His headstrong riot hath no curb.

Shak.

2. Excessive and exxpensive feasting; wild and loose festivity; revelry.

Venus loveth riot and dispense.

Chaucer.

The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to- day.

Pope.

3. (Law) The tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by an unlawful assembly of three or more persons in the execution of some private object.

To run riot, to act wantonly or without restraint.

Ri"ot (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rioted; p. pr. & vb. n. Rioting.] [OF. rioter; cf. OD. ravotten.] 1. To engage in riot; to act in an unrestrained or wanton manner; to indulge in excess of luxury, feasting, or the like; to revel; to run riot; to go to excess.

Now he exact of all, wastes in delight, Riots in pleasure, and neglects the law.

Daniel.

No pulse that riots, and no blood that glows.

Pope.

2. (Law) To disturb the peace; to raise an uproar or sedition. See Riot, n., 3. Johnson.

Ri"ot, v. t. To spend or pass in riot.

had rioted his life out.

Tennyson.

Ri"ot*er (?), n. 1. One who riots; a reveler; a roisterer. Chaucer.

2. (Law) One who engages in a riot. See Riot, n., 3.

Ri"ot*ise (?), n. Excess; tumult; revelry. [Obs.]

His life he led in lawless riotise.

Spenser.

Ri"ot*our (-r), n. A rioter. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Ri"ot*ous (?), a. [OF. rioteux.] 1. Involving, or engaging in, riot; wanton; unrestrained; luxurious.

The younger son . . . took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Luke xv. 13.