Ravine - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

RAVINE, a deep, narrow gorge, cleft or valley in a mountain, worn by the violent rush of water, whence the name, which comes through Fr. from Lat. rapina, violent robbery or plunder (rapere, to seize). The doublet "ravin" or "raven," robbery, greed, has given place to the more learned form "rapine," but is still seen in "ravenous," greedy, voracious.