Meaning

noun a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers

noun (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent

verb transport on a raft

originLate Middle English, of North Germanic origin, from West Old Norse raptr, from Proto-Germanic *raf-tra-, from Proto-Indo-European *rap-tro-, from *rep- (“stake, beam”). See also Norwegian raft (“beam, rafter”), Danish raft (“thin pole”). Compare also Albanian trap (“raft, ferry”).

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0