from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rank \Rank\ (r[a^][ng]k), a. [Compar. {Ranker}
(r[a^][ng]k"[~e]r); superl. {Rankest}.] [AS. ranc strong,
proud; cf. D. rank slender, Dan. rank upright, erect, Prov.
G. rank slender, Icel. rakkr slender, bold. The meaning seems
to have been influenced by L. rancidus, E. rancid.]
1. Luxuriant in growth; of vigorous growth; exuberant; grown
to immoderate height; as, rank grass; rank weeds.
[1913 Webster]
And, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one
stalk, rank and good. --Gen. xli. 5.
[1913 Webster]
2. Raised to a high degree; violent; extreme; gross; utter;
as, rank heresy. "Rank nonsense." --Hare. "I do forgive
thy rankest fault." --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. Causing vigorous growth; producing luxuriantly; very rich
and fertile; as, rank land. --Mortimer.
[1913 Webster]
4. Strong-scented; rancid; musty; as, oil of a rank smell;
rank-smelling rue. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
5. Strong to the taste. "Divers sea fowls taste rank of the
fish on which they feed." --Boyle.
[1913 Webster]
6. Inflamed with venereal appetite. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
{Rank modus} (Law), an excessive and unreasonable modus. See
{Modus}, 3.
{To set} (the iron of a plane, etc.) {rank}, to set so as to
take off a thick shaving. --Moxon.
[1913 Webster]