||Ran"cho (răn"ch?), n.;
pl. Ranchos (-chōz). [Sp., properly, a
mess, mess room. Cf. 2d Ranch.] 1. A rude
hut, as of posts, covered with branches or thatch, where herdsmen or
farm laborers may live or lodge at night.
2. A large grazing farm where horses and
cattle are raised; -- distinguished from hacienda, a cultivated
farm or plantation. [Mexico & California] Bartlett.