overrake

Verb

1. To rake over, or sweep across, from end to end, as waves break over a vessel anchored with its head to the sea.
   • 1648, Oct. A shallop, which had been a fishing with others all summer, was attempting to make a harbour at "Damaril's Cove, was overraked by the surf , and all drowned , being four Englishmen , and one Indian , and the...
   • After they had cut downe their mast, ye storme beat of their round house and all their uper works; 3. men had worke enough at ye helme, and he that cund ye ship before ye sea, was faine to be found fast for washing...
   • The big water overraked her waist like a mighty river running over, and with the extremity of evil weather, she was like to be shaken asunder. - 1906, Sir Andrew Macphail, The Vine of Sibmah: A Relation of the Puritans,...
2. To rake over or assault, as enemy gunfire attacking the entire force.
   • At Mevis we intended to refresh ourselves, having been eleven weeks pestered in this unwholesome ship; but there we found two tall ships with the Hollanders' colours, but necessity forcing us on shore, we anchored fair'...
   • The fire was now becoming intense, the right flank of my company being the most hotly attacked: Believing that a change of position was really necessary, and that in a few moments more we should be swept with an...
3. To rake or scrape to excess.
   • Of his depth of feeling, his exquisite sensibility, and his poetic fire (which burned the more vigorously, perhaps, for not being overraked with a classical poker) , this is not the place to treat. - 1903, Samuel Lover,...
   • Discourage overraking around cabins and camp areas as this will destroy natural undergrowth, causing erosion and excessive dust. - 1952, United States. Soil Conservation Service, Conservation in Camping, page 8:
   • Strive for a level surface, but do not overrake. It is fine if there are some small lumps that will help to hold the seed in place, but try to avoid hills and gulleys where water will accumulate . - 1972, Jack Kramer,...
4. To rake or scrape over.
   • Better methods are happily coming into use, and it is already being found profitable to overrake the spoil-hillocks of our ancestors. - 1901 March, John Hyde, “Fairfield: A Peakland Township”, in The Gentleman's...
5. To install with too great a slope or angle.
   • As their lordships did me the honour to entrust a frigate of new construction to my charge, I feel it my duty to speak the whole truth, and not deceive the constructor by flattering and specious reports, tending to...
   • Overraked poles are always an eyesore, and undoubtedly detract from the appearance of the overhead equipment, no matter how well it is erected. - 1938, Transport World - Volume 83, page 125:
   • Often attractive, they can be overraked and then the result may appear disastrous. - 1967, J. Anthony Hind, Ships' Gear, page 491: