Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Rife"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Rife \Rife\, a. [AS. r[=i]f abundant, or Icel. r[=i]fr
munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.]
1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
Before the plague of London, inflammations of the
lungs were rife and mortal. --Arbuthnot.
Even now the tumult of loud mirth Was rife, and
perfect in may listening ear. --Milton.
2. Having power; active; nimble. [Obs.]
What! I am rife a little yet. --J. Webster.
-- {Rife"ly}, adv. -- {Rife"ness}, n.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
rife
adj 1: encountered generally especially at the present time; "the
prevailing opinion was that a trade war could be
averted"; "the most prevalent religion in our area";
"speculation concerning the books author was rife"
[syn: {prevailing}, {prevalent}]
2: excessively abundant [syn: {overabundant}, {plethoric}]
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