\Roast\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Roasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Roasting}.] [OE. rosten, OF. rostir, F. r[^o]tir; of German
origin; cf. OHG. r[=o]sten, G. r["o]sten, fr. OHG. r[=o]st,
r[=o]sta, gridiron, G. rost; cf. AS. hyrstan to roast.]
1. To cook by exposure to radiant heat before a fire; as, to
   roast meat on a spit, or in an oven open toward the fire
   and having reflecting surfaces within; also, to cook in a
   close oven.
2. To cook by surrounding with hot embers, ashes, sand, etc.;
   as, to roast a potato in ashes.
         In eggs boiled and roasted there is scarce
         difference to be discerned.           --BAcon.
3. To dry and parch by exposure to heat; as, to roast coffee;
   to roast chestnuts, or peanuts.
4. Hence, to heat to excess; to heat violently; to burn.
   ``Roasted in wrath and fire.'' --Shak.
5. (Metal.) To dissipate by heat the volatile parts of, as
   ores.
6. To banter severely. [Colloq.] --Atterbury.

\Roast\, v. i.
1. To cook meat, fish, etc., by heat, as before the fire or
   in an oven.
         He could roast, and seethe, and broil, and fry.
                                               --Chaucer.
2. To undergo the process of being roasted.

\Roast\, n.
That which is roasted; a piece of meat which has been
roasted, or is suitable for being roasted.
      A fat swan loved he best of any roost [roast].
                                               --Chaucer.
{To rule the roast}, to be at the head of affairs. ``The
   new-made duke that rules the roast.''

\Roast\, a. [For roasted.]
Roasted; as, roast beef.