1655 S. Hartlib Reformed Common-wealth Bees xiii. 19 We receive but a pallate-pleasing Iuyce,..bearing the greater price;..whereas the Nations, with whom Wine is made, use farre lesse of it than we who buy it at Rack rates.

1729 P. Delany Tribune xvii. 122 Some indeed are so happy, as at the End of Winter.., to have a little Corn, at a Rack-Rate, upon Credit from their Landlord.

1880 Times 29 Dec. 8/5 ‘Free sale’ is practically a fine on entry,..substituting for the evil of a ‘rack-rent’ the equally serious evil of a ‘rack-rate’.

1933 Times 26 Apr. 18/5 They invited the co-operation of all other county councils who were prepared to withstand the imposition of ‘a rack rate’ on the taxpayers.

1976 Los Angeles Times 12 Sept. vii. 1/4 They talk their own language..about ‘rack rates’, meaning the posted price of rooms.

1994 Trav. Guide 1994 Newfoundland & Labrador 79 (advt.) We offer all our seniors a 20% discount off rack rates for rooms.

2001 Estates Gaz. 30 June 106/3 Another Marriott [hotel]..opened in May with an average room-only rack rate of £79.