To postpone an arranged event or appointment.
To turn back; to return.
To change the time in a time zone to an earlier time.
To return something to its original place.
To drink fast; to knock down alcohol.
In social interactions, to request a deferral of an invitation. To "take a rain check" is a polite way to turn down an engagement, usually with the implication that one is simply postponing it and another time might be acceptable.
To request or accept a rain check (an agreement from a merchant to honor a special offer, temporarily unavailable, after the expiration date).