- rate (n.)
- "estimated value or worth," 1425, from M.Fr. rate "price, value," from M.L. rata (pars) "fixed (amount)," from L. rata "fixed, settled," fem. pp. of reri "to reckon, think" (see reason). Meaning "degree of speed" (prop. ratio between distance and time) is attested from 1652. Currency exchange sense first recorded 1727. The verb "to estimate the worth or value of" is from 1599. First-rate, second-rate, etc. are 1649, from British Navy division of ships into six classes based on size and strength. Phrase at any rate originally (1619) meant "at any cost;" weakened sense of "at least" is attested by 1760.
- rate (v.)
- "to scold," late 14c., probably from O.Fr. reter "to impute blame," from L. reputare "to count over, reflect," in V.L., "to impute, blame" (see reputation).