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Webster 1913 Edition

Rapacious

Ra-pa′cious

(rȧ-pā′shŭs)
,
Adj.
[L.
rapax
,
-acis
, from
rapere
to seize and carry off, to snatch away. See
Rapid
.]
1.
Given to plunder; disposed or accustomed to seize by violence; seizing by force.
“ The downfall of the rapacious and licentious Knights Templar.”
Motley.
2.
Accustomed to seize food; subsisting on prey, or animals seized by violence;
as, a tiger is a
rapacious
animal; a
rapacious
bird.
3.
Avaricious; grasping; extortionate; also, greedy; ravenous; voracious;
as,
rapacious
usurers; a
rapacious
appetite.
[Thy Lord] redeem thee quite from Death’s
rapacious
claim
Milton.
Syn. – Greedy; grasping; ravenous; voracious.
–
Ra-pa′cious-ly
,
adv.
–
Ra-pa′cious-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition

Rapacious

RAPA'CIOUS

,
Adj.
[L. rapax, from rapio, to seize. See Rap.]
1.
Given to plunder; disposed or accustomed to seize by violence; seizing by force; as a rapacious enemy.
Well may thy lord, appeas'd redeem thee quite from death's rapacious claim.
2.
Accustomed to seize for food; subsisting on prey or animals seized by violence; as a rapacious tiger; a rapacious fowl.

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