Rain dogs and cats

English

((archaic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) To rain very heavily.

Rarely used. The term rain cats and dogs is current usage.

1651 - Henry Vaughan, Olor Iscanus (1651).
The Pedlars of our age have business yet,
And gladly would against the Fayr-day fit
Themselves with such a Roofe, that can secure
Their Wares from Dogs and Cats rain'd in showre.
1672 - Maurice Atkins, Minor Burlesques and Travesties (1672)
Where e're I went on Land or water
Hee'd make a shift to follow after.
Neither had he flincht a foot, had fates
Made it rain down dogs and cats
1678 - John Phillips, Maronides (1678)
When it rains Dogs and Cats in Hell,
The shelter'd Centaurs roar and yell;