DCHP-2

rift † [? < riff, obs.var. of reef] Obs. DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• n. — [Edit specific label]

  an obstruction in a watercourse, as a shallows, rapids, or sandbar.

  See also: riffle ((n.)) (def. 1a)  

  • 1760  The navigation is very troublesome, on account of the many rifts and portages or carrying places.
  • 1927  (1829)  These rifts, as they are called, otherwise small ripples, continue about a mile.