Riot

n. [O. Fr. riote, Pr. riota, It. riotta, Armor. riot, O. D. revot, ravot.]

1Sense 1. Wanton or unrestrained behavior; uproar; tumult.

His headstrong riot hath no curb. Shak.

2Sense 2. Luxury; excess; hence, excessive and expensive feasting. [Obs. or rare.] “In luxury and riot, feast and dance.” Milton. “The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day.” Pope.

3Sense 3. (Law.) The doing of an act in a violent and tumultuous manner against the peace, by three or more persons assembled together of their own authority for that purpose.

To run riot, to act or move without control or restraint.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. RIOTED; p. pr. & vb. n. RIOTING.] [O. Fr. rioter, riboter, It. riottare, O. D. ravotten.]

1Sense 1. To engage in riot; to act in an unrestrained or wanton manner; to indulge in excess of luxury, feasting, behavior, and the like.

Now he exacts of all, wastes in delight, Riots in pleasure, and neglects the law. Daniel.

2Sense 2. To be highly excited. “No pulse that riots, and no blood that glows.” Pope.

3Sense 3. To raise an uproar or sedition. Johnson.