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Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

Of the second size, rank, quality, or value;

as, a

second-rate

ship;

second-rate

cloth; a

second-rate

champion

Dryden.

Noun.

[second and rate.] The second order in size, dignity, or value.

They call it thunder of the second-rate. Addison.

So we say, a ship of the second-rate.

Adj.

Of the second size, rank, quality or value; as a second-rate ship; a second-rate cloth; a second-rate champion.