rankness

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The quality of being rank, of having a repulsive or pungent odor.

   • 1578, Raphael Holinshed et al., Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande, Volume I, Book 3, Chapter 1 “Of cattell kept for profit,” p. 222, […] the bowels of the beast are commonlie cast awaie because of their ranknesse […]
   • A match scratched and the sweet rankness of his corn-cob pipe drifted through the rooms.
2. 2

   Exuberant or uncontrolled growth.

   • Tam’d us to Manners, when the Stage was rude;
   • […] a wilderness of weeds, to be sure, whose rankness far over-topped their neglected growth; yet, notwithstanding, evidence of a wealthy soil, that might yield luxuriant crops under other and favourable circumstances.
3. 3

   Exuberance, excessiveness.

   • First Gentleman. God save you, sir! where have you been broiling? Third Gentleman. Among the crowd i’ the Abbey; where a finger Could not be wedged in more: I am stifled With the mere rankness of their joy.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Insolence.

      • I will physic your rankness […]

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