Part 57

Ra`tion*a"le (rsh`n*"l), n. [L. rationalis, neut. rationale. See Rational, a.] An explanation or exposition of the principles of some opinion, action, hypothesis, phenomenon, or the like; also, the principles themselves.

Ra"tion*al*ism (rsh"n*al*z'm), n. [Cf. F. rationalisme.] 1. (Theol.) The doctrine or system of those who deduce their religious opinions from reason or the understanding, as distinct from, or opposed to, revelation.

2. (Philos.) The system that makes rational power the ultimate test of truth; -- opposed to sensualism, or sensationalism, and empiricism. Fleming.

Ra"tion*al*ist, n. [Cf. F. rationaliste.] One who accepts rationalism as a theory or system; also, disparagingly, a false reasoner. See Citation under Reasonist.

{ Ra`tion*al*is"tic (-s"tk), Ra`tion*al*is"tic*al (-t*kal), } a. Belonging to, or in accordance with, the principles of rationalism. -- Ra`tion*al*is"tic*al*ly, adv.

Ra`tion*al"i*ty (-l"*t; 277), n.; pl. -ties (- tz). [F. rationalité, or L. rationalitas.] The quality or state of being rational; agreement with reason; possession of reason; due exercise of reason; reasonableness.

When God has made rationality the common portion of mankind, how came it to be thy inclosure?

Gov. of Tongue.

Well-directed intentions, whose rationalities will never bear a rigid examination.

Sir T. Browne.

Ra`tion*al*i*za"tion (rsh`n*al**z"shn), n. The act or process of rationalizing.

Ra"tion*al*ize (rsh"n*al*z), v. t. 1. To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.

2. To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.

3. To form a rational conception of.

4. (Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities.

Ra"tion*al*ize, v. i. To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism.

Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief rationalizing doctor of antiquity.

J. H. Newman.

Ra"tion*al*ly, adv. In a rational manner.

Ra"tion*al*ness, n. The quality or state of being rational; rationality.

||Ra*ti"tæ (r*t"t), n. pl. [NL., fr. L. ratis a raft; cf. L. ratitus ||marked with the figure of a raft.] (Zoöl.) An order of birds in which ||the wings are small, rudimentary, or absent, and the breastbone is ||destitute of a keel. The ostrich, emu, moa, and apteryx are examples.

Rat"i*tate (rt"*tt), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ.

Rat"ite (rt"t), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Ratitæ. - - n. One of the Ratitæ.

{ Rat"lines, Rat"lins } (rt"lnz), n. pl. [Of uncertain origin.] (Naut.) The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and forming the steps of a rope ladder. [Written also ratlings, and rattlings.] Totten.

Rat"on (rt"n), n. [Cf. Raccoon.] A small rat. [Obs.] Piers Plowman.

Ra*toon" (r*tn"), n. 1. Same as Rattoon, n.

2. A rattan cane. [Obs.] Pepys.

Ra*toon", v. i. Same as Rattoon, v. i.