Rush (?), n. [OE. rusche, rische, resche, AS. risce, akin to LG. rusk, risch, D. & G. rusch; all probably fr. L. ruscum butcher's broom; akin to Goth. raus reed, G. rohr.]
1. Bot.
A name given to many aquatic or marsh-growing endogenous plants with soft, slender stems, as the species of Juncus and Scirpus.
⇒ Some species are used in bottoming chairs and plaiting mats, and the pith is used in some places for wicks to lamps and rushlights.
2.
The merest trifle; a straw.
John Bull's friendship is not worth a rush.
Arbuthnot.
Bog rush. See under Bog. -- Club rush, any rush of the genus Scirpus. -- Flowering rush. See under Flowering. -- Nut rush (a) Any plant of the genus Scleria, rushlike plants with hard nutlike fruits. (b) A name for several species of Cyperus having tuberous roots. -- Rush broom, an Australian leguminous plant (Viminaria denudata), having long, slender branches. Also, the Spanish broom. See under Candle. -- Rush grass, any grass of the genus Vilfa, grasses with wiry stems and one-flowered spikelets. -- Rush toad Zool., the natterjack. -- Scouring rush Bot. Same as Dutch rush, under Dutch. -- Spike rush, any rushlike plant of the genus Eleocharis, in which the flowers grow in dense spikes. -- Sweet rush, a sweet-scented grass of Arabia, etc. (Andropogon schenanthus), used in Oriental medical practice. -- Wood rush, any plant of the genus Luzula, which differs in some technical characters from Juncus.
© Webster 1913.
Rush (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rushed (); p. pr. & vb. n. Rushing.] [OE. ruschen; cf. AS. hryscan to make a noise, D. ruischen to rustle, G. rauschen, MHG. rschen ro rush, to rustle, LG. rusken, OSw. ruska, Icel. & Sw. ruska to shake, Dan. ruske to shake, and E. rouse.]
1.
To move forward with impetuosity, violence, and tumultuous rapidity or haste; as, armies rush to battle; waters rush down a precipice.
Like to an entered tide, they all rush by.
Shak.
2.
To enter into something with undue haste and eagerness, or without due deliberation and preparation; as, to rush business or speculation.
They . . . never think it to be a part of religion to rush into the office of princes and ministers.
Sprat.
© Webster 1913.
Rush, v. t.
1.
To push or urge forward with impetuosity or violence; to hurry forward.
2.
To recite (a lesson) or pass (an examination) without an error.
[College Cant, U.S.]
© Webster 1913.
Rush, n.
1.
A moving forward with rapidity and force or eagerness; a violent motion or course; as, a rush of troops; a rush of winds; a rush of water.
A gentleman of his train spurred up his horse, and, with a violent rush, severed him from the duke.
Sir H. Wotton.
2.
Great activity with pressure; as, a rush of business.
[Colloq.]
3.
A perfect recitation.
[College Cant, U.S.]
4. Football (a)
A rusher; as, the center rush, whose place is in the center of the rush line; the end rush.
<-- now, lineman. --> (b)
The act of running with the ball.
<-- rushing. -->
Bunt rush Football, a combined rush by main strength. -- Rush line Football, the line composed of rushers.
© Webster 1913.