Word: overrake Part of Speech: verb Etymology: From over- + rake. 1. To rake over, or sweep across, from end to end, as waves break over a vessel anchored with its head to the sea. Labels: transitive Example: 1648, Oct. A shallop, which had been a fishing with others all summer, was attempting to make a harbour at "Damaril's Cove, was overraked by the surf , and all drowned , being four Englishmen , and one Indian , and the goods all perished ." Example: After they had cut downe their mast, ye storme beat of their round house and all their uper works; 3. men had worke enough at ye helme, and he that cund ye ship before ye sea, was faine to be found fast for washing away; the seas did so overrake them, as many times those upon ye decke knew not whether they were within bord or withoute; and so foundered in ye sea as they all thought she would never rise againe. 2. To rake over or assault, as enemy gunfire attacking the entire force. Example: At Mevis we intended to refresh ourselves, having been eleven weeks pestered in this unwholesome ship; but there we found two tall ships with the Hollanders' colours, but necessity forcing us on shore, we anchored fair' by them, and in friendly manner sent to hail them; but seeing they were Spaniards, retiring to our ship, they sent such a volley of shot after us, that shot the boat, split the oars, and some through the cloaths, yet not a man hurt; and then followed with their great ordnance, that many times overraked our ship, which being so cumbered with the passengers' provisions, our ordnance was not well fitted, nor any thing as it should have been; Example: The fire was now becoming intense, the right flank of my company being the most hotly attacked: Believing that a change of position was really necessary, and that in a few moments more we should be swept with an overraking fire, I threw the right wing of company to the rear, in order to diminish its front. 3. To rake or scrape to excess. Example: Of his depth of feeling, his exquisite sensibility, and his poetic fire (which burned the more vigorously, perhaps, for not being overraked with a classical poker) , this is not the place to treat. Example: Discourage overraking around cabins and camp areas as this will destroy natural undergrowth, causing erosion and excessive dust. 4. To rake or scrape over. Example: Better methods are happily coming into use, and it is already being found profitable to overrake the spoil-hillocks of our ancestors. 5. To install with too great a slope or angle. Example: As their lordships did me the honour to entrust a frigate of new construction to my charge, I feel it my duty to speak the whole truth, and not deceive the constructor by flattering and specious reports, tending to mislead him; and I hope to be excused in remarking, that a short bow on fine lines under water, is not adapted to meet a head sea, and that a pegtop midship section, although applicable to smaller vessels, will not pleasantly carry two tier of guns and a full cargo. A raking sternpost and an overraking stern, with a short gripe condemn themselves. Example: Overraked poles are always an eyesore, and undoubtedly detract from the appearance of the overhead equipment, no matter how well it is erected.