Er*rat"ic (?), a. [L. erraticus,
fr. errare to wander: cf. F. erratique. See
Err.] 1. Having no certain course; roving
about without a fixed destination; wandering; moving; -- hence,
applied to the planets as distinguished from the fixed
stars.
The earth and each erratic world.
Blackmore.
2. Deviating from a wise of the common course
in opinion or conduct; eccentric; strange; queer; as, erratic
conduct.
3. Irregular; changeable.
"Erratic fever." Harvey.
Erratic blocks, gravel, etc.
(Geol.), masses of stone which have been transported from
their original resting places by the agency of water, ice, or other
causes. -- Erratic phenomena, the
phenomena which relate to transported materials on the earth's
surface.
Er*rat"ic, n. 1.
One who deviates from common and accepted opinions; one who is
eccentric or preserve in his intellectual character.
2. A rogue. [Obs.]
Cockeram.
3. (Geol.) Any stone or material that
has been borne away from its original site by natural agencies; esp.,
a large block or fragment of rock; a bowlder.
☞ In the plural the term is applied especially to the loose
gravel and stones on the earth's surface, including what is called
drift.