Ran"dom (?), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity, a randon, de randon, violently, suddenly, rapidly, prob. of German origin; cf. G. rand edge, border, OHG. rant shield, edge of a shield, akin to E. rand, n. See Rand, n.]
1.
Force; violence.
[Obs.]
For courageously the two kings newly fought with great random and force.
E. Hall.
2.
A roving motion; course without definite direction; want of direction, rule, or method; hazard; chance; -- commonly used in the phrase at random, that is, without a settled point of direction; at hazard.
Counsels, when they fly
At random, sometimes hit most happily.
Herrick.
O, many a shaft, at random sent,
Finds mark the archer little meant !
Sir W. Scott.
3.
Distance to which a missile is cast; range; reach; as, the random of a rifle ball.
Sir K. Digby.
4. Mining
The direction of a rake-vein.
Raymond.
© Webster 1913.
Ran"dom, a.
Going at random or by chance; done or made at hazard, or without settled direction, aim, or purpose; hazarded without previous calculation; left to chance; haphazard; as, a random guess.
Some random truths he can impart.
Wordsworth.
So sharp a spur to the lazy, and so strong a bridle to the random.
H. Spencer.
Random courses Masonry, courses of unequal thickness. -- Random shot, a shot not directed or aimed toward any particular object, or a shot with the muzzle of the gun much elevated. -- Random work Masonry, stonework consisting of stones of unequal sizes fitted together, but not in courses nor always with flat beds.
© Webster 1913.