ree-raw n, a also red raw, reerah [phonetics unavailable]. EDD ~ N I Wxf Nfld, under reel-ral(l) Sc, DINNEEN ri-6; cp OED ~ a (1842-).
1 A state of disorder, confusion; uproar, racket, hullabaloo.
1863 MORETON 30 Reerah. Any uproarious noise. 1896 J A Folklore ix, 30 All in a reeraw, confusion or disorder. 1937 DEVINE 41 Ree raw. Disorder, an upset condition of affairs. T 12-64 The place was in a ree-raw. P 167-67 After the time there was a ree-raw. C 70-12 To have a ree-for-raw means to have a good time, as at a Christmas party where everybody was feeling their drinks and were engaged in a step dance.
2 By folk-etymology, eager to begin (1937 DEVINE 41).
1936 SMITH 114 We opened the Club ... all members being present, and 'red raw' for a game of billiards.
3 Phr on the ree-raw: quickly, without preparation.
1937 DEVINE 41 I had to take up the job right on the ree raw.
