Roast (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Roasted; p. pr. & vb. n.Roasting.] [OE. rosten, OF. rostir, F. rôtir; of German origin; cf. OHG. rōsten, G. rösten, fr. OHG. rōst, rōsta, 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. Atterbury.