E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ratten (To).
To annoy for refusing to join a trade union, or for not submitting to its demands. This is done by destroying or taking away a workman’s tools, or otherwise incapacitating him from doing work. “To rat” is to desert one’s party; to work for less than the price fixed by a trade union; and “ratten” is to act the part of a rat. (See RAT.)
