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 animal
2 a : marked by a menacing wildness, extravagance, or absence of restraint <rampant rumors> b : profusely widespread <rampant weeds>

— ram·pant·ly adverb

[rampant illustration]