Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Same as randan.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word ran-tan.

Examples

  • On the ran-tan, on the razzle, on a batter, on a skite.

    At Swim, Two Boys Jamie O’Neill 2002

  • On the ran-tan, on the razzle, on a batter, on a skite.

    At Swim, Two Boys Jamie O’Neill 2002

  • Two men can't go on a complimentary ran-tan at the same table.

    The Man Between: An International Romance 1906

  • Two men can't go on a complimentary ran-tan at the same table.

    The Man Between, an International Romance Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr 1875

  • He gav a ran-tan at th 'back dur, wi' his whip-hondle; and when th 'little lass coom with a candle, he said,' Aw've getten a weshin'-machine for yo. '

    Th' Barrel Organ Edwin Waugh 1853

  • Maillard, beating rhythmic, with sharp ran-tan, all along the Quais, leads forward, with difficulty his Menadic host.

    The French Revolution Thomas Carlyle 1838

  • Prairial, 20th of May 1795, sound of the generale once more; beating sharp, ran-tan, To arms, To arms!

    The French Revolution Thomas Carlyle 1838

  • Maillard, of his own motion, for Gouvion or the rest would not even sanction him, -- snatches a drum; descends the Porch-stairs, ran-tan, beating sharp, with loud rolls, his Rogues'-march: To Versailles!

    The French Revolution Thomas Carlyle 1838

  • Still more awkward was the accident which happened in consequence of clumsy Betty's haste to open the front door to a lofty footman's ran-tan, which caused her to set down the basket containing the dirty plates right in his mistress's way, as she stepped gingerly through the comparative darkness of the hall; and then the young men, leaving the dining-room quietly enough, but bursting with long-repressed giggle, or no longer restraining their tendency to practical joking, no matter who might be in the passage when they made their exit.

    Wives and Daughters Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell 1837

  • “The General’s on the ran-tan,” somebody called, and the phrase was taken up till Mr. Mack heard it on every mouth in every tone and minor variation.

    At Swim, Two Boys Jamie O’Neill 2002

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.