RAFT (2)

Raft, n. [[Originally, a rafter, spar, and fr. Icel. raptr a rafter; akin to Dan. raft, Prov. G. raff a rafter, spar; cf. OHG. rāfo, rāvo, a beam, rafter, Icel. rāf roof. Cf. Rafter, n.]] 1. 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. 2. A collection of logs, fallen trees, etc. (such as is formed in some Western rivers of the United States), which obstructs navigation.
3. 3. [[Perhaps akin to raff a heap.]] A large collection of people or things taken indiscriminately. “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. [] (Zoöl.) (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.