Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rife
Rife
,Adj.
[AS.
rīf
abundant, or Icel. rīfr
munificent; akin to OD. riff
, rijve
, abundant.] 1.
Prevailing; prevalent; abounding.
Before the plague of London, inflammations of the lungs were
rife
and mortal. Arbuthnot.
Even now the tumult of loud mirth
Was
Was
rife
, and perfect in may listening ear. Milton.
2.
Having power; active; nimble.
[Obs.]
What! I am
– rife
a little yet. J. Webster.
Rife′ly
, adv.
Rife′ness
, Noun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Rife
RIFE
,Adj.
Prevailing; prevalent. It is used of epidemic diseases.
The plague was then rife in Hungary.