Rock v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rocked p. pr. & vb. n. Rocking.]
1. To cause to sway backward and forward, as a body resting on a support beneath; as, to rock a cradle or chair; to cause to vibrate; to cause to reel or totter.
A rising earthquake rocked the ground. --Dryden.
2. To move as in a cradle; hence, to put to sleep by rocking; to still; to quiet. “Sleep rock thy brain.”
Note: ☞ Rock differs from shake, as denoting a slower, less violent, and more uniform motion, or larger movements. It differs from swing, which expresses a vibratory motion of something suspended.
Rock·ing, a. Having a swaying, rolling, or back-and-forth movement; used for rocking.
Rocking shaft. Mach. See Rock shaft.
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