Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rath \Rath\, Rathe \Rathe\, a. [AS. hr[ae][eth], hr[ae]d, quick,
   akin to OHG. hrad, Icel. hra[eth]r.]
   Coming before others, or before the usual time; early. [Obs.
   or Poetic]

         Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies. --Milton.

Rath \Rath\, Rathe \Rathe\, adv.
   Early; soon; betimes. [Obs. or Poetic]

         Why rise ye up so rathe?                 --Chaucer.

         Too rathe cut off by practice criminal.  --Spencer.