Rack
/ræk/noun
A framework or support for holding, displaying, or stretching things; also, a device once used for torture.
Did you know?The torture sense of rack is historically related to a Germanic word for a framework or support, which is why the same word could mean both a harmless stand and a nightmare device.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wrakô / *rakô
“A framework, support, or something stretched out”
Old English
OE
ræc
“A rack, framework, or support”
Middle English
ME
rak
“A framework for holding things; later, a torture device”
16th Century
English
rack
“A torture instrument used to stretch the body”
Modern English
English
rack
“A framework for holding things; also, a torture device in historical contexts”