GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found one definition
-
Rife (?), a. [AS. rīf abundant, or Icel. rīfr munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.]
1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
[1913 Webster]
Before the plague of London, inflammations of the lungs were rife and mortal. Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]
Even now the tumult of loud mirth
Was rife, and perfect in may listening ear. Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Having power; active; nimble. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
What! I am rife a little yet. J. Webster.
[1913 Webster]
-- Rife"ly, adv. -- Rife"ness, n.
[1913 Webster]