n. [ OE. reek, rek, AS. hreác a heap; akin to hryce rick, Icel. hraukr. ] A stack or pile, as of grain, straw, or hay, in the open air, usually protected from wet with thatching. [ 1913 Webster ]
Golden clusters of beehive ricks, rising at intervals beyond the hedgerows. G. Eliot. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. To heap up in ricks, as hay, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A stout pole for use in making a rick, or for a spar to a boat. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Rickety. [ Obs. ] Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. pl. [ Of uncertain origin; but cf. AS. wrigian to bend, D. wrikken to shake, E. wriggle. ] (Med.) A disease which affects children, and which is characterized by a bulky head, crooked spine and limbs, depressed ribs, enlarged and spongy articular epiphyses, tumid abdomen, and short stature, together with clear and often premature mental faculties. The essential cause of the disease appears to be the nondeposition of earthy salts in the osteoid tissues. Children afflicted with this malady stand and walk unsteadily. Called also
a.
n. A kind of openwork edging made of serpentine braid. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A flooring or framework on which a rick is made. [ 1913 Webster ]