Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Precipitous

Pre-cip′i-tous

,
Adj.
[L.
praeceps
,
-cipitis
: cf. OF.
precipiteux
. See
Precipice
.]
1.
Steep, like a precipice;
as, a
precipitous
cliff or mountain
.
2.
Headlong;
as,
precipitous
fall
.
3.
Hasty; rash; quick; sudden; precipitate;
as,
precipitous
attempts
.
Sir T. Browne.
“Marian’s low, precipitous ‘Hush!'”
Mrs. Browning.
–
Pre-cip′i-tous-ly
,
adv.
–
Pre-cip′i-tous-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Precipitous

PRECIP'ITOUS

,
Adj.
[L. proeceps.] Very steep; as a precipitous cliff or mountain.
1.
Headlong; directly or rapidly descending; as a precipitous fall.
2.
Hasty; rash; heady.
Advice unsafe, precipitous and bold.