n. [ Sp. la reata the rope; la the + reata rope. Cf. Reata. ] A long, slender rope made of hemp or strips of hide, esp. one with a noose; -- used as a lasso for catching cattle, horses, etc., and for picketing a horse so that he can graze without wandering. [ Mexico & Western U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.