second rate

& a. A. As substantive : 1. The second order in size, quality, value, dig. nity, or the like. 2. A ve el of war of the second rate. [RATE, 8.] B. As adjective: 1. Of the second order in size, quality, value, dig. nity, or the like; of inferior quality. 2. Applied to a ve el of war of the second rate. tsecond-scent, s . An expre ion framed on the model of second-sight (q. v.), meaning a presage, by means of the sense of smell, that a death is near at hand. "That keen, second- scent of death, By which the vulture snuffs his food." Moore: Fire-Worshipers.