rift†

[? < riff, obs.var. of reef]

Obs.

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

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n. — [Edit specific label]

an obstruction in a watercourse, as a shallows, rapids, or sandbar.

See: riffle ((n.))(def. 1a)

Quotations

1760

The navigation is very troublesome, on account of the many rifts and portages or carrying places.

1927

These rifts, as they are called, otherwise small ripples, continue about a mile.