Rancho \Ran"cho\, n.; pl. {Ranchos}. [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.