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rafferty

[raf-er-tee]
adjective British, Australian.
  1. confused; disorganized.
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Origin of rafferty

1925–30; orig. in the phrase Rafferty('s) rules no rules at all; perhaps identical with British dialect raffatory, ref(f)atory, alterations of refractory
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for rafferty

Historical Examples of rafferty

  • Rafferty was to appear before him and produce his accounts and make explanations.

    The Ghost Girl

    H. De Vere Stacpoole

  • “Same as I was about Rafferty,” said Phyl with a little laugh.

    The Ghost Girl

    H. De Vere Stacpoole

  • I went to the president of the club and told him that here was where we had to stop Rafferty.

    One Way Out

    William Carleton

  • Mrs. Rafferty had furnished it somewhat lavishly but comfortably.

    One Way Out

    William Carleton

  • Then I went to Rafferty and told him what I wanted in the way of teams.

    One Way Out

    William Carleton