Main Entry:

ram·pant

Pronunciation:

\ˈram-pənt also -ˌpant\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, present participle of ramper

Date:

14th century

1 a: rearing upon the hind legs with forelegs extended b: standing on one hind foot with one foreleg raised above the other and the head in profile —used of a heraldic animal2 a: marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint <rampant rumors> b: profusely widespread <rampant weeds>

— ram·pant·ly adverb

[rampant illustration]