Rattle  —v. (-ling) 1 a give out a rapid succession of short sharp hard sounds. B cause to do this. C cause such sounds by shaking something. 2 (often foll. By along) a move with a rattling noise. B move or travel briskly. 3 a (usu. Foll. By off) say or recite rapidly. B (usu. Foll. By on) talk in a lively thoughtless way. 4 colloq. Disconcert, alarm. —n. 1 rattling sound. 2 device or plaything made to rattle.  rattly adj. [probably low german or dutch]