Rank (răṉk), a. [Compar.Ranker (–ẽr); 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.
And, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. Gen. xli. 5.
2. Raised to a high degree; violent; extreme; gross; utter; as, rank heresy. “Rank nonsense.” Hare. “I do forgive thy rankest fault.” Shak.
3. Causing vigorous growth; producing luxuriantly; very rich and fertile; as, rank land. Mortimer.
4. Strong-scented; rancid; musty; as, oil of a rank smell; rank-smelling rue. Spenser.
5. Strong to the taste. “Divers sea fowls taste rank of the fish on which they feed.” Boyle.
6. Inflamed with venereal appetite. Shak.
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.