from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rife \Rife\, a. [AS. r[imac]f abundant, or Icel. r[imac]fr
munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.]
1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
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Before the plague of London, inflammations of the
lungs were rife and mortal. --Arbuthnot.
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Even now the tumult of loud mirth
Was rife, and perfect in may listening ear.
--Milton.
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2. Having power; active; nimble. [Obs.]
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What! I am rife a little yet. --J. Webster.
[1913 Webster] -- {Rife"ly}, adv. -- {Rife"ness}, n.
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