\Rath\, n. [Ir. rath.]
1. A hill or mound. [Ireland] --Spencer.

2. A kind of ancient fortification found in Ireland.

\Rath\, Rathe \Rathe\, a. [AS. hr[ae][eth], hr[ae]d, quick,
akin to OHG. hrad, Icel. hra[eth]r.]
Coming before others, or before the usual time; early. [Obs.
or Poetic]

      Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies. --Milton.

\Rath\, Rathe \Rathe\, adv.
Early; soon; betimes. [Obs. or Poetic]

      Why rise ye up so rathe?                 --Chaucer.

      Too rathe cut off by practice criminal.  --Spencer.