[Cf. G. landratte, -ratze land-rat, land-lubber.] A rat that lives on land. † Also used as a term of abuse.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., I. iii. 24. There be land rats, and water rats, water theeues, and land theeues—I mean, pirates.
1609. Dekker, Gul’s Horne-bk., Wks. (Grosart), II. 233. The Duke’s Tomb is a Sanctuary, and will keepe you alive from wormes and land-rattes, that long to be feeding on your carkas.
1632. Shirley, Ball, IV. ii. Lo. Will you not draw? Bo. Not against your honour, but you shall see. Lo. And vex my eyes to look on such a Land-rat.
1860. Wynter, Curios. Civilizat., 129. There are in England two kinds of land-rats,—the old English black rat, and the Norwegian or brown rat.
