Definition of rasp

The origin of the word "rasp" can be traced back to the Middle English word "respe," which first appeared in the 1300s. The term "respe" was derived from an Old French word "respe" or "resp" which in turn came from the Latin word "ratillus." In Latin, "ratillus" referred to a smalllike object used for scraping or marking surfaces. It is believed that this tool was likely made from rat's jawbones, hence the Latin name "ratillus." The Middle English word "respe" was used to describe a specialized tool, similar in purpose to the modern-day rasp, that was used for shaping wood and metal surfaces. It was made of iron or steel and had a rough, teeth-like texture on one side and a smooth surface on the other. Over time, the term "rasp" has evolved to include a variety of related tools, such as a sandpaper-like rasp used for honing irregular surfaces or a wire-bristled tool used for removing paint. However, the original meaning of the word "rasp" has remained relatively consistent, describing a handheld tool used for smoothing, grinding, or scraping surfaces.