Northern United States and the diamond rattlesnake of the South are the best known. See Illust. of
Fang.
Ground rattlesnake (Zoöl.), a small rattlesnake (Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria) of the Southern United
States, having a small rattle. It has nine large scales on its head. — Rattlesnake fern (Bot.), a common
American fern (Botrychium Virginianum) having a triangular decompound frond and a long- stalked panicle
of spore cases rising from the middle of the frond. — Rattlesnake grass (Bot.), a handsome American
grass (Glyceria Canadensis) with an ample panicle of rather large ovate spikelets, each one composed
of imbricated parts and slightly resembling the rattle of the rattlesnake. Sometimes called quaking grass.
— Rattlesnake plantain. (Bot.) See under Plantain. — Rattlesnake root (Bot.), a name given to
certain American species of the composite genus Prenanthes (P. alba and P. serpentaria), formerly
asserted to cure the bite of the rattlesnake. Called also lion's foot, gall of the earth, and white lettuce.
— Rattlesnake's master. (Bot.) (a) A species of Agave (Agave Virginica) growing in the Southern
United States. (b) An umbelliferous plant (Eryngium yuccæfolium) with large bristly-fringed linear leaves.
(c) A composite plant, the blazing star — Rattlesnake weed (Bot.), a plant of the composite genus
Hieracium (H. venosum); — probably so named from its spotted leaves. See also Snakeroot.
Rattletrap
(Rat"tle*trap`) n. Any machine or vehicle that does not run smoothly. [Colloq.] A. Trollope.
Rattleweed
(Rat"tle*weed`) n. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Astragalus. See Milk vetch.
Rattlewings
(Rat"tle*wings`) n. (Zoöl.) The golden-eye.
Rattlewort
(Rat"tle*wort`) n. [AS. hrætelwyrt.] (Bot.) Same as Rattlebox.
Rattlings
(Rat"tlings) n. pl. (Naut.) Ratlines.
