English

Verb

rain dogs and cats

1. (idiomatic, dated) To rain very heavily.
   • 1651 - Henry Vaughan, Olor Iscanus (1651).

     The Pedlars of our age have business yet,

     And gladly would against the Fayr-day fit

     Themselves with such a Roofe, that can secure

     Their Wares from Dogs and Cats rain'd in showre.

   • 1672 - Maurice Atkins, Minor Burlesques and Travesties (1672)

     Where e're I went on Land or water

     Hee'd make a shift to follow after.

     Neither had he flincht a foot, had fates

     Made it rain down dogs and cats

   • 1678 - John Phillips, Maronides (1678)

     When it rains Dogs and Cats in ****,

     The shelter'd Centaurs roar and yell;

Usage notes

Rarely used. The term rain cats and dogs is current usage.

Anagrams

• rain cats and dogs