Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Raft \Raft\, n. [Originally, a rafter, spar, and fr. Icel. raptr
   a rafter; akin to Dan. raft, Prov. G. raff a rafter, spar;
   cf. OHG. r[=a]fo, r[=a]vo, a beam, rafter, Icel. r[=a]f roof.
   Cf. {Rafter}, n.]
   1. A collection of logs, boards, pieces of timber, or the
      like, fastened, together, either for their own collective
      conveyance on the water, or to serve as a support in
      conveying other things; a float.

   2. A collection of logs, fallen trees, etc. (such as is
      formed in some Western rivers of the United States), which
      obstructs navigation. [U.S.]

   3. [Perhaps akin to raff a heap.] A large collection of
      people or things taken indiscriminately. [Slang, U. S.]
      ``A whole raft of folks.'' --W. D. Howells.

   {Raft bridge}.
      (a) A bridge whose points of support are rafts.
      (b) A bridge that consists of floating timbers fastened
          together.

   {Raft duck}. [The name alludes to its swimming in dense
      flocks.] (Zo["o]l.)
      (a) The bluebill, or greater scaup duck; -- called also
          {flock duck}. See {Scaup}.
      (b) The redhead.

   {Raft port} (Naut.), a large, square port in a vessel's side
      for loading or unloading timber or other bulky articles; a
      timber or lumber port.