​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.