Definition
To enjoy oneself immensely; to have a very enjoyable experience.
They spent the whole day at the beach and had a rare old time.
We sang and danced at the party and had a rare old time.
They spent the whole day at the amusement park, having a rare old time.
To experience a great deal of difficulty or trouble; to have a very challenging time.
We had a rare old time trying to fix that old car.
We had a rare old time going through the visa application process.
We had a rare old time driving in the storm.