Rifely

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Rife \Rife\, a. [AS. r[imac]f abundant, or Icel. r[imac]fr
     munificent; akin to OD. riff, rijve, abundant.]
     1. Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
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              Before the plague of London, inflammations of the


              lungs were rife and mortal.           --Arbuthnot.
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              Even now the tumult of loud mirth
              Was rife, and perfect in may listening ear.
                                                    --Milton.
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     2. Having power; active; nimble. [Obs.]
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              What! I am rife a little yet.         --J. Webster.
        [1913 Webster] -- {Rife"ly}, adv. -- {Rife"ness}, n.
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