rational 
This absolute end, prescribed by Reason necessarily and 
a priori, winch is for all rational beings as such, can be 
nothing but Reason itself, or the Universe of Rational*. 
H. Sidgwiek, Methods of Ethics, p. 382. 
2. Eccles. : (a) The breastplate of the Jewish 
high-priest. The name rational for the Jewish high- 
priest's breastplate (Hebrew choshen, an 'ornament/ ac- 
cording to others a 'pouch' or 'receptacle') comes from 
the Latin rationale, a mistaken translation in the Vulgate 
of the word Aoyioc or Ao-yeioi' in the Septuagint, etc., mean- 
ing an 'oracle' or 'oracular instrument,' with allusion to 
the consultation of the Urim and Thummim. Hence 
(6) A square plate of gold, silver, or embroi- 
dery, either jeweled or enameled, formerly 
worn on the breast over the chasuble by bish- 
ops during the celebration of mass. Also pec- 
toral and rationale in both senses. 
But upon the English chasuble there was to be seen, 
more or less often, up to the fourteenth century, an appen- 
dage, the mii'iinil, as beautiful as becoming, which is never 
found adorning the same Anglo-Saxon vesture. 
Sock, Church of our Fathers, L 363. 
rationale (rash-o-na'le), n. [L., neut. sing. of ra- 
tionalis, of or belonging to reason, rational : see 
rational.] 1. The rational basis or motive of 
something ; that which accounts for or explains 
the existence of something; reason for being. 
The rationale of your scheme is just : 
"Pay toll here, there pursue your pleasure free." 
Browning, King and Book, II. 292. 
Thoroughly to realize the truth that with the mind as 
with the body the ornamental precedes the useful, It Is 
needful to glance at its rationale. 
H. Spencer, Education, p. 25. 
2. A rational explanation or statement of rea- 
sons ; an argumentative or theoretical account ; 
a reasoned exposition. 
I admire that there is not a rationale to regulate such 
trifling accidents, which consume much time, and is a re- 
proch to the gravity of so greate an assembly of sober men. 
Evelyn, Diary, Nov. 23, 1966. 
Since the religion of one seems madness unto another, 
to afford an account or rationale of old rites requires no 
rigid reader. Sir T. Browne, Urn-burial, iv. 
Theological dogma is nothing in the world but a rationale 
of the relations in which God places Himself towards us in 
the very act of revealing Himself. 
Contemporary Ret:., XLIX. 345. 
3. Same as rational, 2. 
rationalisation, rationalise, etc. See ration- 
alization, etc. 
rationalism (rash'on-al-izm), n. [= P. ratio- 
nalisme = Sp. Pg. racionalismo = It. razionalis- 
mo = Gr. rationalismus ; &s rational + -ism.~\ 1. 
In general, adherence to the supremacy of rea- 
son in matters of belief or conduct, in contradis- 
tinction to the submission of reason to author- 
ity ; thinking for one's self. 
From the infinite variability of opinion our great writers 
deduced the necessity of toleration in the place of perse- 
cution and of rationalism in place of obedience to author- 
ity. Leslie Stephen, Bug. Thought, ii. 1 4. 
2. In theol.: (a) In general, the subjection of 
religious doctrine and Scriptural interpretation 
to the test of human reason or understanding; 
the rejection of dogmatic authority as against 
reason or conscience ; rational latitude of reli- 
gious thought or belief. 
What seemed most to protect the dogma of the Church 
from depravation really left it without defence against the 
scholastic rationalism. Caird, Fhilos. of Kant, p. 25. 
(6) More specifically, as used with reference to 
the modern school or party of rationalists, that 
system of doctrine which, in its extreme form, 
denies the existence of any authoritative and 
supernatural revelation, and maintains that the 
human reason is of itself, and unaided by spe- 
cial divine inspiration, adequate to ascertain 
all attainable religious truth. As a theological sys- 
tem rationalism regards the reason as the sole, final, and 
adequate arbiter of all religious questions, and is thus op- 
posed to mysticism, which maintains the existence in man 
of a spiritual power transcending observation and the 
reasoning faculty. As a doctrinal system, it includes the 
doctrines founded upon rationalistic philosophy as a pos- 
tulate, and embraces a denial of the authority of the Scrip- 
ture and the supernatural origin of Christianity, but main- 
tains as at least probable opinions the existence of a God 
and the immortality of the soul, and as indisputable facts 
the great principles of the moral law. As an interpreta- 
tion of Scripture, it holds that the Scriptures themselves, 
rightly interpreted, corroborate rationalism, and thus it 
eliminates from them all supernatural elements. The 
term is, however, one of somewhat vague import, and is 
used with various modified meanings in modern polemical 
theology. 
3. In metaph., the doctrine of a priori cogni- 
tions; the doctrine that knowledge is not all 
produced by the action of outward things upon 
the senses, but partly arises from the natural 
adaptation of the mind to think things that are 
true. 
The form of Rationalism which is now in the ascendant 
resembles the theory of natural evolution in this, that as 
the latter finds the race more real than the Individual, and 
4972 
the individual to exist only in the race, so the former looks 
upon the individual reason as but a finite manifestation of 
the universal reason. 
W. R. Sorley, Ethics of Naturalism, p. 18. 
rationalist (rash'on-al-ist), ii. [= F. rtitioiHi- 
IMc = Sp. Pg. racionalista = It. mzionalista = 
D. G. Dan. Sw. rutioiialixt ; as rational + -ist.] 
1 . One who follows reason and not authority in 
thought or speculation ; a believer in the su- 
premacy of reason over prescription or prece- 
dent. 
There is a new sect sprung up among them, and these 
are the rationalists; ana what their reason dictates them 
in church or state stands for good, until they be convinced 
with better. Clarendon, State Papers, II. xi., Introd. 
2. In theol., one who applies rational criticism 
to the claims of supernatural authority or rev- 
elation ; specifically, one of a school or party, 
originating in Germany in the eighteenth cen- 
tury, who maintain as an ultimate conclusion 
that the human reason is of itself, and unaided 
by special divine inspiration, adequate to ascer- 
tain all attainable truth, and who accordingly, 
in interpretation of the Scripture, regards it as 
only an illustration and affirmation, not as a 
divine revelation, of truth. See rationalism, 2 
(6). 3. A believer in metaphysical rationalism. 
rationalistic (rash'on-a-lis'tik), a. [< ration- 
alist + -ic. ] Of or pertaining to rationalists or 
rationalism ; conformable to or characterized 
by rationalism : as, rationalistic opinions ; a ra- 
tionalistic interpretation. 
From the publication of the essays of Montaigne we 
may date the influence of that gifted and ever enlarging 
rationalistic school who gradually effected the destruction 
of the belief in witchcraft Leaky, Rationalism, 1. 114. 
Rationalistic Monarchians. See Monarchian. 
rationalistical (rashon-a-lis'ti-kal), a. [< ra- 
tionalistic + -al.~] Same as rationalistic. 
rationalistically (rash'gn-a-lU'ti-kal-i), adv. 
In a rationalistic manner. 
rationality (rash-o-nal'i-ti), n, [< F. rationa- 
lite = Sp. racionalidad "= Pg. racionalidade = 
It. razionalita, < LL. rationalita(t-)s, reasona- 
bleness, rationality/ L. rationalis, reasonable: 
see rational.'] 1. The rational faculty; the 
power of reasoning ; possession of reason ; in- 
telligence. 
God has made rationality the common portion of man- 
kind. Dr. H. More. 
Yea, the highest and most improved parts of rational- 
ity are frequently caught in the entanglements of a tena- 
cious imagination, and submit to its obstinate but delu- 
sory dictamens. Glannlle, Vanity of Dogmatizing, xi. 
2. The character of being rational ; accor- 
dance with reason; reasonableness; congru- 
ity; fitness. 
Well directed intentions, whose rationalities will not 
bear a rigid examination. Sir T. Browne. 
"It may do good, and it can do no harm," is the plea for 
many actions which have scarcely more rationality than 
worship of a painted stone. 
H. Spencer, Prin. of Sociol., App. A. 
3. The exercise, result, or manifestation of rea- 
son ; rational principle, motive, or causation ; 
basis in reason. 
An essay on the "Rationality of History," . . . in which 
history is represented as a " struggle towards rational free- 
dom." H. Sidcririclr, Mind, XIII. 406. 
The solid black vote, cast, we said, without rationality at 
the behest of a few scoundrels. The Century, XXX. 676. 
rationalization (rash"on-al-i-za'shon), n. [< 
rationalize + -ation.] 1. The act of rational- 
izing; a making rational or intelligible; sub- 
jection to rational tests or principles. 
Lysons argues very strongly in favour of the famous 
story of "Whittington and his Cat,"and rejects the ration- 
alizatirm which explains the legend by supposing Whit- 
tington 's fortunes to have been made in the voyages of a 
mediasval cat or merchant-vessel. Encyc. Brit, XXIV. 556. 
2. In a/o., the process of clearing an equation 
from radio nl signs. 
Also spelled rationalisation. 
rationalize (rash'on-al-iz), r.; pret. and pp. 
rationalized, ppr. "rationalizing. [< F. ratio- 
naliser; as rational -f -ize.~] I. trans. 1. To 
make conformable to reason ; give rationality 
to ; cause to be or to appear reasonable or in- 
telligible. 
Eusebius tells us that religion was divided by the Ro- 
mans into three parts : the mythology, or legends that had 
descended from the poets ; the interpretations or theories 
by which the philosophers endeavoured to rationalise, fil- 
ter. or explain away these legends ; and the ritual or offi- 
cial religious observances. Lecky, European Morals, I. 429. 
When life has been duly rationalized by science, it will 
be seen that among a man's duties care of the body is im- 
perative. H. Spencer, in Pop. Sci. Mo., XXII. 357. 
The faculties of the mind have been rationalised into 
functions of the mind ; so many sorts of operations, classi- 
fied as observation demands. 
Uodgton, Phil, of Reflection, n. 247. 
ratline 
2. To subject to the test of reason ; explain or 
interpret by rational principles; treat in the 
manner of a rationalist: as, to rationalize reli- 
gion orthe Scriptures. 3. In altj., to free from 
radical signs. 
II. intrans. To think for one's self; employ 
the reason as a supreme test; argue or specu- 
late upon the basis of rationality or rational- 
ism; act as a rationalist. 
If they [certain theologians] rationalise as the remark- 
able school of Cambridge Platonists rationalised, it Is with 
a sincere belief that they are only bringing out the full 
meaning of the doctrine which they expound. 
Leslie Stephen, Eng. Thought, ii. H 60. 
To rationalise meant to apply the canons of our limited 
enlightenment to the unlimited ranges of actuality. 
W. Wallace, Logic of Heigel, Prolegomena, vi. 
In order to know, in any wide and large sense, we must 
rationalize. 
Henry Calderwood, New Princeton Rev., III. 28. 
Also spelled rationalise. 
rationalizer (rash'on-al-i-zer), n. One who 
rationalizes, or practises the methods of the 
rationalists; one who tests doctrines, princi- 
ples, etc., by the light of abstract reason, or 
who employs reason alone in interpretation or 
explanation. Also spelled rationaliser. 
Like many other rationalisers, he [Thomas Burnet] fan- 
cied himself to be confirming instead of weakening Scrip- 
tural authority. /..-'/. ,-/././ ,/, Eng. Thought, I. 8. 
rationally (rash'on-al-i), adv. In a rational 
manner; in consistency with reason; reason- 
ably: as, to speak rationally; to behave ra- 
tionally. 
rationalness (rash'on-al-nes), n. The state of 
being rational, or consistent with reason. 
rationary (rash'on-a-ri), a. [= F. rationnaire, 
one who receives rations, one who receives a 
salary, < ML. rationarius, relating to accounts, 
an accountant, < L. ratio(n-), a reckoning, an 
account, ML. allowance: see ration.'] Of or 
pertaining to accounts. [Rare.] 
ration-money (ra'shon-mun'i), n. Money paid 
as commutation for rations. 
Ratitae (ra-ti'te), n. pi. [ML., fern. pi. (so. Ayes, 
birds) of ratitus : see ratite."] One of the prime 
divisions of birds, including the ostriches, cas- 
sowaries, emus, and kiwis ; the group of stru- 
thipus birds, as contrasted with Connate, to 
which all other existing birds belong. The Jiati- 
iff are flightless, with more or less rudimentary wings; 
the sternum is a flattened or concavo-convex buckler-like 
bone, without a keel, developing from paired lateral cen- 
ters of ossification. Associated with this condition of the 
sternum is a special configuration of the scapular arch, 
the scapula and coracoid meeting at a very obtuse angle, 
or with nearly coincident axes, and clavicles being absent 
or defective. The bones of the palate are peculiarly ar- 
ranged, the pterygoids articulating with the basisphenoid 
in a manner only paralleled in Carinata in the tinamous. 
The Cretaceous genus Hesperornis was ratite in sternal 
characters, but is excluded from Xatittt by the possession 
of teeth. The families of living Ratitie usually recognized 
are the Struthionidte, Rheidte, Casuariidse, and Apterygida; 
the genera are Struthio, Rhea, Casuarius and Dromxus, 
and Apteryx; the species are few. The extinct New Zea- 
land moas (Dinomithidx and Palapteryyidx) and the 
Madagascar jEpyomilhidee are also Ratitie. The name 
was introduced by B. Merrem in 1813 ; it passed almost 
unnoticed for some years, but has lately come into almost 
universal use. 
ratitate (rat'i-tat), a. [< ratite + -ate 1 .] Same 
as ratite. [Rare.] 
ratite (ra'tit), a. [< NL. ratitus, < L. ratitus, 
marked with the figure of a raft, < ratis, a raft.] 
Raft -breasted, as a bird ; having a flat breast- 
bone or sternum with no keel ; having no keel, 
as a breast-bone ; ecarinate ; of or pertaining 
to the Ralitee. 
ratiuncule (ra-shi-ung'kul), n. [< NL. "ratiiin- 
culiis, dim. of L. ratio(n-), a ratio: see ratio.'] 
A ratio very near unity. 
rati- weight, . Same as retti-weignt. 
rat-kangaroo (rafkang-ga-re*), n. A kangaroo- 
rat ; any species of 
Hypsiprymnus. See 
cut under kangaroo- 
rat. 
ratline, ratlin (raf- 
lin), n. [Also cor- 
ruptly ratling, rat- 
tling; formerly also 
rare-line ; appar. < 
rat 1 + line 2 (cor- 
rupted to rare-line, 
as if 'thin line'?); 
a seamen's jocular 
name, as if forming 
ladders for the rats 
to climb by. Cf. I). 
weeflijn, ratline, lit. 
'web-line.'] Mlltl., Ratlines (*, l. 
