E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rache.
A “setter,” or rather a dog said to hunt wild beasts, birds, and even fishes by scent. The female was called a brache—i.e. bitch-rache. (Saxon, ræcc; French, braque.)
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“A leyshe of ratches to renne an hare.”—Skelton: Magnificence
