to cook by exposure to radiant heat before a fire; as, to roast meat on a spit, or in an oven open toward the fire and having reflecting surfaces within; also, to cook in a close oven.-to cook by surrounding with hot embers, ashes, sand, etc.; as, to roast a potato in ashes.-to dry and parch by exposure to heat; as, to roast coffee; to roast chestnuts, or peanuts.-hence, to heat to excess; to heat violently; to burn.-to dissipate by heat the volatile parts of, as ores.-to banter severely.-to cook meat, fish, etc., by heat, as before the fire or in an oven.-to undergo the process of being roasted.-that which is roasted; a piece of meat which has been roasted, or is suitable for being roasted.-roasted; as, roast beef.