Definition of "rankness" in English

noun

1. The quality of being rank, of having a repulsive or pungent odor.

   • 1578, Raphael Holinshed et al., Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande, Volume I, Book 3, Chapter 1 “Of cattell kept for profit,” p. 222, […] the bowels of the beast are commonlie cast awaie because of their ranknesse […]

2. Exuberant or uncontrolled growth.

   • Tam’d us to Manners, when the Stage was rude;

3. (obsolete) Exuberance, excessiveness.

4. (obsolete) Insolence.