(rat′l) v. ·tled, ·tling v.i.
1. To make a series of sharp noises in rapid succession, as by striking together: dead limbs rattling in the wind.
2. To move or act with such noises.
3. To talk rapidly and foolishly; chatter.
—v.t.
4. To cause to rattle: to rattle pennies in a tin cup.
5. To utter or perform rapidly or noisily.
6. Colloq. To confuse; disconcert: Her reaction rattled me. See synonyms under SHAKE.
—noun
1. A series of short, sharp sounds in rapid succession, as from the collision of small, hard objects.
2. A plaything, implement, etc., adapted to produce a rattling noise: a watchman's rattle.
3. The series of jointed horny rings in the tail of a rattlesnake, or one of these; also, the noise produced by the vibration of this organ.
4. Rapid and noisy talk; chatter.
5. One who talks fast and foolishly.
6. A râle; the death rattle, caused by the passage of air through mucus. See synonyms under NOISE. [Imit.]

(rat′l) v.t. ·tled, ·tling Naut.
To fit with ratlines: used in the phrase to rattle down the rigging. [<RATLINE]