n. [ Icel. reið a riding, raid; akin to E. road. See Road a way. ] 1. A hostile or predatory incursion; an inroad or incursion of mounted men; a sudden and rapid invasion by a cavalry force; a foray. [ 1913 Webster ] Marauding chief! his sole delight The moonlight raid, the morning fight. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ] There are permanent conquests, temporary occupations, and occasional raids. H. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ A Scottish word which came into common use in the United States during the Civil War, and was soon extended in its application. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. An attack or invasion for the purpose of making arrests, seizing property, or plundering; as, a raid of the police upon a gambling house; a raid of contractors on the public treasury. [ Colloq. U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ] |