rattrap

See also: rat-trap and rat trap

English
A rat trap (above) and a mousetrap (below).

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English rat trappe; equivalent to rat +‎ trap.

Noun

rattrap (plural rattraps)

  1. A device (trap) used to catch rats.
    • (Can we date this quote?), Selma Lagerlöf, The Rattrap:
      ... the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages - was nothing but a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him, and then everything came to an end.
  2. A dilapidated building, a place that is run down and unsanitary.
  3. A difficult, entangling situation.
  4. A type of bicycle pedal made of metal with no rubber.

Translations

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