Ran″dom (răn″dŭm), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity, à 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.
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.