'Rank modus' definitions:

Definition of 'Rank modus'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]