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