† half-raterObs. A small racing yacht, so classed from 1891 to 1896; now called an 18-foot boat. (Also attrib.) 1894Daily News 10 Sept. 3/4 Conditions..imposed in order to keep out the ordinary racing half-rater.1895Westm.Gaz. 30 Jan. 4/1 A half-rater yawl of his design is a novelty.