rankness

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

Etymology: From Middle English rankenesse, equivalent to rank + -ness.

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.”
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.”
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.”
Insolence.
“I will physic your rankness […]”