race
RACE, n. L. radix and radius having the same original. This word coincides in origin with rod, ray, radiate, &c.
1. The lineage of a family, or continued series of descendants from a parent who is called the stock. A race is the series of descendants indefinitely. Thus all mankind are called the race of Adam; the Israelites are of the race of Abraham and Jacob. Thus we speak of a race of kings, the race of Clovis or Charlemagne; a race of nobles, &c.
Hence the long race of Alban fathers come.
2. A generation; a family of descendants. A race of youthful and unhandled colts.
3. A particular breed; as a race of mules; a race of horses; a race of sheep.
Of such a race no matter who is king.
4. A root; as race-ginger, ginger in the root or not pulverized.
5. A particular strength or taste of wine; a kind of tartness.
RACE, n. L. gradior, gressus, with the prefix g. Eng. ride.
1. A running; a rapid course or motion, either on the feet, on horseback or in a carriage, &c.; particularly, a contest in running; a running in competition for a prize.
The race was one of the exercises of the Grecian games.
I wield the gauntlet and I run the race.
2. Any sunning with speed.
The flight of many birds is swifter than the race of any beast.
3. A progress; a course; a movement or progression of any kind.
My race of glory run.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Heb. 12.
4. Course; train; process; as the prosecution and race of the war. Not now used.
5. A strong or rapid current of water, or the channel or passage for such a current; as a mill-race.
6. By way of distinction, a contest in the running of horses; generally in the plural. The races commence in October.
RACE, v.i. To run swiftly; to run or contend in running. The animals raced over the ground.